Provision of Wheelchair Services for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB)

NHS Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU) have facilitated a Competitive Process, in line with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) of the Healthcare Services Regulations 2023, on behalf of NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) - who invited Bidders to submit a tender for the Provision of Wheelchair Services. This notice serves as an Intention to Award a contract under the Competitive process of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

Submissions were submitted via Atamis under the response functionality within the Invitation to Tender (ITT). The closing time/date for receipt of submissions was 12:00 hours on Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

The purpose of this procurement is to secure a Service Provider to deliver Wheelchair Services for all patients registered with a GP in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB area. The Authority is looking to appoint a Service Provider that will have the ability to successfully perform the service specification requirements, whilst achieving value for money.

The Authority are looking to appoint a Service Provider, or Consortium, to deliver this Service for a period of 3 Years with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years. The Contract will commence on the 1st October 2026.

The total awardable value for the contract is £12,676,460 - this includes the initial period of 3 years and the optional 2 year extension. This is an existing service within the ICB.

The new contract, from 1st October 2026, is offered to a new provider. The contract to be used will be the NHS Standard Contract ("the Contract").

Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have a statutory duty to commission wheelchair services that meet the reasonable needs of their populations. Wheelchair services are critical for enabling people with long-term mobility needs to live independently, participate in society, and maintain their health and wellbeing.

The wheelchair service will ensure that service users within NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB are able to maximize their mobility through the provision of a wheelchair that meets their clinical needs. The aim of the wheelchair service is to maximise independence and improve the quality of life for service users and their carers, through timely access to appropriate assessment, provision and maintenance of equipment.

The provider will respond to changes in the service users' health through regular reviews, and will deliver a positive user experience. High-quality wheelchair provision supports the delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan priorities by reducing hospital delays and supporting care outside of hospital, preventing avoidable harm, and improving quality of life.

It is essential that wheelchair services are both effective and sustainable. The service will focus on quality, innovation, value, integration and collaboration.

The service will also focus on facilitating patient choice, improving access and reducing health inequalities. The provider will contribute to the following outcomes: - Service Users, their families and carers have choice and control over their wheelchair and/or associated equipment. - Service Users have a wheelchair and/or associated equipment which allows them to be as independently mobile as their condition allows and that takes account of their social, educational and employment needs. - Service Users are able to interact with their able bodied peers, engage in recreation and maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent secondary health problems. - Service Users are able to contribute to society and enjoy improved access to physical and mental stimulation. - Service Users have a choice of clinic times and locations which provide greater flexibility to fit in with their lifestyles and which will reduce the likelihood of non-attendance to appointments (DNA). - The Service shall develop and maintain effective relationships with Local Authorities, acute and community hospitals, GPs, Community Health Teams, third sector organisations and local Service User groups in order that the Service User experiences a joined-up approach to their care.

The Service shall support the wider health system by reducing demand on packages of care and attendances/admissions to hospital by enabling people to maximise their independence and remain in their own homes through the provision of their wheelchair and/or associated equipment. The wheelchair service must ensure: - Comprehensive assessment and timely provision of equipment tailored to individual needs. - Equitable, safe, and person-centred delivery aligned with NHS Constitution principles. - Ongoing review and maintenance to keep equipment appropriate and safe. - Support for personal choice and control, reducing inequalities and promoting independence