Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Services (NOUS) for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board

This Intention to Award Notice is issued in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, Regulation 9, Direct Award C. The Procurement relates to the provision of Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Services (NOUS) for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board.

This Intention to Award Notice is issued in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, Regulation 9, Direct Award C. The Procurement relates to the provision of Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Services (NOUS) for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The ICB currently holds a contract with Health Harmonie for NOUS. This service is used to detect changes in the look, size, or outline of tissues and vessels, and to detect abnormal masses.

The aim of the service is to aid early diagnostics and avoid the need for unnecessary referrals to secondary care. The ICB previously held two contracts for these services; however, one provider has ceased operations with immediate effect on 06/02/2026.

Consequently, the demand previously managed by that provider is to be absorbed by Health Harmonie, which is now the only provider of NOUS for the ICB with a located premise in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Therefore, the ICB asserts that Regulation 6(12)(a) and (b) External Factors apply, as the change in contracting arrangements is a response to external factors beyond the control of the authority.

The intention is to award a contract to the existing provider, Health Harmonie, via Regulation 9, Direct Award C, as the provider is satisfying the current contract and is likely to satisfy the proposed new contract. Awarding this contract until 31st March 2027 for a period of 12 months, ensures continuity of care and allows the ICB time to develop commissioning plans for diagnostic services and pathway redesign.

The contract term shall be for a 12-month period (1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027). This is a zero-value contract based on activity and national tariffs, with an estimated total value of up to £1,128,834.00.