NHS Lothian’s Oncology Department is seeking one supplier to supply breast inserts and the associated fitting service for post-operative breast cancer patients. The initial contract period will run from 1st April 2024 for 24 months to 31st March 2026.

NHS Lothian’s Oncology Department is seeking one supplier to supply breast inserts and the associated fitting service for post-operative breast cancer patients. The initial contract period will run from 1st April 2024 for 24 months to 31st March 2026.

1. Background

NHS Lothian’s Oncology Department provides breast inserts and a fitting service when required to its patients. This service is currently carried out by third party suppliers at the Maggie's Centre, Edinburgh and The Alba Centre, Livingston.

Across these two sites approximately 1000 new breast cancers are diagnosed each year. The breast insert service is offered to those patients who require mastectomies and, taking into account replacement inserts, this results in approximately 400 breast inserts being provided and fitted each year.

The successful supplier will use their own premises or concessions with other supplier premises. The successful supplier may also use Maggie's Centre, Edinburgh.

The successful supplier should be able to offer patients a suitable variety of types, sizes and brands of breast prostheses, and a specialised fitting service. All products must be CE marked. Occasionally, a home visit to patients who are unable to travel will also be necessary. NHS Lothian will refer patients to the successful supplier(s) via a secure nhs.net email address, setting out specific entitlements/requirements for each patient on a case by case basis.