In an attempt to standardise the approach to pressure area care across South Tyneside and Wearside the following organisations have come together to collaborate on this procurement exercise.

— South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust (Including the Actue Hospital and Community services),

— Sunderland City Council,

— South Tyneside Council.

The aim of the procurement is to appoint a sole provider with firm contract pricing for the following pieces of pressure care equipment.

Lot 1 – Beds.

— Powered multi section profiling bed including low beds.

Bariatric powered bed for use in the acute and the community.

Lot 2 – Static and Dynamic Support Services.

— standard pressure re-distributing foam mattress replacement,

— pressure redistributing static mattress overlay – community only,

— low air loss pressure reducing replacement mattress,

— alternating pressure mattress replacement (medium to high risk),

— alternating pressure replacement mattress for pressure relief (very high risk).

Lot 3 – Static Cushions.

— cushions pressure redistributing static foam cushion.

It is expected that this standardisation process will ensure patients across the South of Tyne and Wearside area receive consistent pressure care treatment whilst ensuring cost savings through consolidation of demand.

Further details will be provided in the Invitation to Tender document.