NHS BNSSG - Planned Outpatients Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services

Concepts

• ambulance services
• bristol
• health services
• non-emergency patient transport service
• partner organisations transport teams
• eligible patients
• nhs commissioned care
• patients
• nhs bristol
• transport

Location

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Description

NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board sought to secure a Prime Provider who has the capability and capacity to deliver a planned outpatients Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS), in line with the specified requirements. The purpose of the planned outpatients NEPTS service is to ensure that there is an equitable and accessible service to all eligible patients in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire based on their medical need. The model is based on all planned outpatient journeys being booked through a central point of contact called a Patient Transport Hub (PTH) where journey requests are made directly by patients/carers and health or social care staff. The contract term is 5 years with the option to extend for a further 2 years, making a contract value of £27,418,310 over the initial 5-year term. If the 2-year extension option is utilised the total contract value is £38,374,054. The bid price was not identical for each financial year. The contract will be uplifted annually in accordance with the planning guidance published by NHS England, which is usually available in the last quarter of a financial year. The new contract will commence on 1st April 2026.

Total Quantity or Scope

Bookings for eligible patients will then be referred to the awarded Provider by 5pm the night before travel who will plan the journeys, working collaboratively with partner organisations transport teams. The awarded Provider will then transport those eligible patients to and from agreed providers of NHS commissioned care. The Provider must: • Ensure that patients get the transport mode most appropriate to their condition and mobility. • Provide a service 06:00 - 22:00 every day inclusive of bank or public holidays. (365 days a year and 366 days in each leap year) • Provide a call-to-confirm/text-to-confirm in a reasonable time prior to travel. • Provide a patient transport liaison staff member at both Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Saturday trained to an appropriate level of authority to assist with patient flow and who can perform or arrange risk assessments where necessary. • Transport patients needing renal dialysis who have a medical need requiring transport which isn't provided in the BNSSG Haemodialysis Car contract. • Ensure staff are trained to provide a supportive response for patients who have access needs which require higher levels of support. … TUPE may apply to this process. Workforce information was supplied to Bidders on request on the basis that it is treated as strictly confidential. This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

There is the option to extend this contract for a further 2-year period.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85143000 - Ambulance services
• 85100000 - Health services

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

The awarding decision was approved by the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB Board. There were no conflicts or potential conflicts of interest of individuals making the decision declared. The winning bidder was chosen in line with the key criteria published within the tender documentation. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by midnight on 17th September 2025. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award a contract under the competitive process of the PSR. Written representations should be sent via the Atamis e-procurement portal or by email to scwcsu.scwprocurement.bnssg@nhs.net