Welsh Point of Care Testing Solution

DHCW has modified the Contract by extending its duration for a further period of up to three (3) years, comprising an initial two (2) year extension followed by a further one (1) year extension, extending the Contract term to 18 September 2029. The Contract was originally awarded following an Open Procedure procurement and is governed by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015).

The digital platform supporting the Wales Point of Care Testing (WPOCT) service and medical device management has been specifically configured and developed to meet the requirements of NHS Wales. The solution is therefore regarded as a bespoke platform and is embedded within DHCW's national digital architecture.

The extension was required for the following reasons: - To ensure continuity of service and avoid disruption to the delivery of critical clinical services across NHS Wales, which could adversely impact patient care. - To enable software upgrades and enhancements to be implemented, ensuring NHS Wales continues to achieve appropriate value for money throughout the operational life of the solution. - To provide sufficient time to undertake market engagement activities and assess the capability and capacity of suppliers and available solutions within the marketplace. - To secure the necessary funding and approvals for a replacement Point of Care Testing solution. - To minimise disruption and clinical risk arising from the resource demands associated with other national digital and service transformation programmes taking place in parallel. - To allow sufficient time to undertake a compliant procurement process and complete the associated implementation, migration and contract exit activities. DHCW estimates that these activities will require approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

DHCW concluded that procuring an interim solution until September 2029 would neither be practical nor proportionate. The existing platform forms an integral part of the NHS Wales digital landscape, and transition to an alternative supplier within the required timescales could give rise to significant technical, operational and interoperability challenges. Any disruption to the continuity or stability of these patient-critical services could adversely impact the delivery of healthcare across NHS Wales.