Wheelchair and Specialist Seating Service - C401025 - CAN

NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO AWARD: The aim of the Sussex Wheelchair Service is to make sure users optimise their mobility and independence and improve their quality of life through receiving timely access to appropriate assessment, provision and maintenance of equipment through a fully integrated service. The provider will assess users for the provision of wheeled mobility equipment (both powered and manual) for those with long term mobility problems.

Pressure relieving cushions and postural management wheelchair equipment will also be provided to meet the user's long term clinical need. The provider will also assess for specialist static postural seating for adults only in East Sussex.

Contract length: 5-year contract with an option to extend for a further 2-years. Annual contract value: £8,436,258 Total contract value (5-year + 2-year option) = £59,053,806 Contract service dates = 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2032 2-year extension dates = 1st April 2032 to 31st March 2034

NHS Surrey & Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) will provide a wheelchair and specialist seating service to the population of Sussex for a 5 + 2 year contract, commencing 1st April 2027. The Sussex Wheelchair Service will provide a comprehensive, integrated service for adults,children, and young people with long-term mobility needs.

Service users have described a wheelchair as "a vehicle of freedom," highlighting both the emotional and functional significance of the service. The service will support individuals to optimise their independence, health outcomes, and quality of life through timely access to assessment, provision,maintenance, and review of appropriate wheeled mobility equipment.

The service is designed to be equitable, needs-led, and responsive, ensuring consistent and high-quality provision across Sussex. It will include both manual and powered wheelchairs, pressure-relieving cushions, and postural management equipment, tailored to meet long-term clinical needs.

The Specialist Postural Static Seating Service will be for adults in East Sussex. The service will be founded on the following core objectives: • People who use the service and their carers will have access to high quality, evidence-based advice, assessment, prescription and reviews. • People who use the service and their carers will be fully involved in the design and delivery of the service across the integrated care pathway. • The service will be timely, flexible and responsive to user/carer needs. • The health and safety of people who use the service, their carers, and staff will be promoted and supported at all times. • The service will be equitable and available in the same way to all those who are eligible. • The service will be easily accessible and provide good quality information. • The safeguarding of children, young people and adults will be paramount at all levels of service delivery. • The service will be efficient, respond promptly and demonstrate value for money across all aspects of service provision. • Professionals will work together to make sure the needs of users are central to service delivery.

Annual contract value: £8,436,258 Total contract value (5-year + 2-year option) = £59,053,806 Contract service dates = 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2032 2-year extension dates = 1st April 2032 to 31st March 2034 Additional information: This procurement is being carried out by NHS South, Central & West (SCW) on behalf of the commissioners. SCW is currently subject to restructuring, and the management of this procurement may therefore move to a successor at some point during the procurement process. Bidders will be informed of any such change, and any administrative changes because of it.