The Commissioners are seeking suitably qualified providers via an Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process to deliver a Community Adult Hearing Service. The service is a community based, adult hearing assessment service, including hearing aid fitting (where required), follow-up and after-care services for adults, with suspected or diagnosed hearing loss for the registered population of the Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group. Full description of the services can be found at the additional information section.

The Commissioners are seeking suitably qualified providers via an Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process to deliver a Community Adult Hearing Service. The service is a community based, adult hearing assessment service, including hearing aid fitting (where required), follow-up and after-care services for adults, with suspected or diagnosed hearing loss for the registered population of the Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Adult Hearing Service will consist of:

— Hearing needs assessment;

— Development of an Individual Management Plan (IMP);

— Provision and fitting of hearing aids in a suitable environment (quiet, confidential, privacy and dignity);

— Appropriate hearing rehabilitation e.g. patient education;

— Information on and signposting to any relevant communication/social support services;

— Follow-up appointment to assess whether needs have been met;

— Discharge from hearing assessment and fitting pathway;

— After-care service including advice, maintenance, repairs or replacement of hearing aids under warranty and review as required to meet the needs of the patient;

— Batteries, tips, domes, wax filters, tube and other consumables replacement service;

— Provision of service to the housebound.

The Contract value has been estimated at 423 300 000 over the lifetime of the contract term. This will vary depending on the number of suppliers on the Any Qualified Provider list.

The contract will run for 2 years plus an additional 2 years if the extension option is exercised by the Commissioners. If the Commissioners exercise the extension option, a window of new providers to be part of the qualified providers list will also be offered. During this process the CCG will be offering a window for new providers to be part of the qualified providers list. The estimated total value at II.1.5) and II.2.6) is the value of the 2 year contract plus the 2 year extension if this option is utilised.