Community Urgent Eye Services to Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ("BSW") Integrated Care Board ("the ICB") seeks to secure a provider who has the capacity and capability to deliver community eye care services for patients registered with a GP within the BSW footprint and in line with specified requirements. It is expected that the services will work collaboratively and have a harmonious and efficient relationship to provide a safe and co-ordinated eyecare pathway.

The ICB seeks to work with providers who are committed to innovation and creativity in delivering good health outcomes. Via a single point of access the Triage service will provide remote/telephone triage directing patients with signs and symptoms of recent onset urgent ocular presentations to a telemedicine consultation or arrange for a face to face assessment and Clinical Management.

Patients will be assessed, agree a management plan which may include self-care, therapeutic recommendations, referrals and signposting. Through remote/telephone triage, telemedicine and a network of community-based providers/practitioners providing face to face appointments, patients will be able to gain prompt access to an eyecare consultation and, in most cases, a care plan for the patient to either self-manage their ocular condition (with access to appropriate OTC topical medications where appropriate from Pharmacy), with advice and guidance.

Telemedicine will reduce the burden on patients visiting GP surgeries, pharmacies, high street opticians and secondary care facilities physically. The use of telemedicine will mean many people can receive an eyecare consultation from their home.

When telemedicine is an inappropriate mode of service delivery, patients will be signposted to a face to face appointment with a community-based practitioner or signposted to hospital ophthalmology services or A&E in the first instance. TUPE is likely to be applicable, further details can be found in the procurement documentation.

The contract term for both lots will be for 3 years with an optional extension of any period up to 2 years. The total combined value across all lots is £1,368,000 for the initial 3 year period and £2,280,000 if the full extension period of 2 Year is adopted.

The new service will commence on the 1st October 2024. This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.