Market Engagement Exercise: Adult Severe Intestinal Failure (SIF) Service - Integrated Surgical Centres

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of potential providers within this specialised area. This notice is to advise prospective providers in the market of the commissioner’s intention to commission this service and to provide an opportunity to engage with and participate in a market engagement questionnaire.

The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach. Participation to this market engagement will close at 12pm (noon), 30th May 2025.

NHS England would like to identify providers who are interested in the provision of Adult Severe Intestinal Failure (SIF) Services - Integrated Surgical Centres across 13 Lots as set out below; Intestinal Failure comprises a group of disorders with many different causes, all of which are characterised by an inability to maintain adequate nutrition and/or fluid balance via the intestines.

It may result from obstruction, abnormal motility, fistulation, ischaemia, surgical resection, congenital defect or disease-associated loss of absorption. The condition is characterised not only by the inability to maintain protein-energy nutritional status, but also by difficulties in maintaining water, electrolyte or micronutrient balance, particularly when there has been a significant reduction in the length of the small intestine.

If intestinal failure persists for more than a few days, treatment with intravenous delivery of nutrients and water (parenteral nutrition, PN) is usually required. The service aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of care for people with intestinal failure focussing on all aspects of care for patients with Type 2 and 3 severe IF.

The anticipated contract duration for this service is 5 years, with the Commissioner having the option to extend the contract up to a further 3 year(s) (maximum contract duration 8 years). Documentation relating to this exercise including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal.

To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link to the Atamis (HealthFamily) portal: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome The project reference is C351450 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12pm (noon) 30th May 2025.