Support of existing NHSBT Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) systems

2. Description of the procurement

The Therapeutic Apheresis Services (TAS) function operates within the Clinical Services directorate of NHSBT. Multi-disciplinary TAS teams operate from eight regional hub units and three 3 spoke sites that are based within Acute NHS Trusts across England and South Wales. Each unit provides a portfolio of therapeutic treatments to both adult and paediatric patients from across a range of clinical specialities. Included in the TAS portfolio of therapeutic procedures is Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) which is provided from four of the TAS hub units (Bristol, London, Oxford, and Manchester) as well as all three of the spoke sites (the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Cardiff and The Vale Health Board and Plymouth University Hospitals Trust). The ECP system's utilised by the TAS teams are able to perform both adult and paediatric procedures and have an integral clinical grade light box. The requirement for this procurement was to source machine consumables and maintenance services to support existing Extracorporeal Photopheresis machine platforms. Contract notice published on 10th March 2021 with publication reference: 2021/S 000-004888. As a result of the tender, a Framework Agreement for Support of existing NHSBT Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) systems for a period of 2 years with two 1-year options to extend has been awarded to Therakos (UK) Ltd. The following contracting authorities will be able to purchase against the Framework Agreement: NHSBT, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and any NHS Authority or Trust.