Direct Access Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service (NOUS) in Northamptonshire

NHS Corby and NHS Nene CCG’s are looking to commission a community based Direct Access Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service (NOUS) aimed at delivering clinically effective, appropriate, convenient and easy to access care closer to patients. The aim is to deliver patient satisfaction through a high quality and responsive service by reducing waiting times for assessment and treatment.

The community service will ensure efficient use of resources via a cost effective service model and contribute to the system wide ambition to ensure Right Care Right Time 1st time. Providers are expected to recognise that high quality health care is multi-disciplinary and should be delivered through good working relationships with other partners.

The service will be expected: • To receive referrals from GP’s in relation to patients with conditions as laid out in the service (see below). • To provide a clinical assessment of all patients referred to the service for the management of conditions as listed below. • To give clear support and advice to the patient during the course of treatment. • To provide an outcome summary to the patient’s GP once the course of treatment has been completed. • To help reduce the number of referrals to secondary care, where appropriate. • To take responsibility for undertaking audits on patient satisfaction The aim is to provide a local, direct access non-obstetric ultrasound service. The care pathway being commissioned is pre-appointment communication with Patients, the diagnostic investigation and a report being sent to the referrer, which covers not only the description of the investigation and the findings, but also where appropriate covers any recommendations for further imaging or investigation and advice on management.

The contract will be for I year commencing on 1st April 2016 with an option to extend for a further year. Budget: £63,000.