Direct Access Community Radiology is a service providing diagnostic imaging to Central London CCG patients out of hospital. The service allows general practice to refer straight to diagnostics for specified modalities and works closely with primary and secondary providers to integrate services and provide improved outcomes for patients. Agreed modalities are:

— magnetic resonance,

— ultrasound,

— radiology reporting,

— endoscopy,

— echocardiography,

— Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).

This contract award notice provides notification that NHS Ealing Clinical Commissioning Group (the CCG) has agreed to directly award an interim transitional contract for the provision of Community Direct Access Radiology services to InHealth Ltd, for a period of 6 months (until 30.9.2019). This interim contract is deemed essential to ensure a continuity of an essential service provision to the CCG’s patients.

The CCG considered transferring activity to its NWL acute providers but identified an increased likelihood of an adverse impact on quality and finance. NWL acute providers have confirmed they have insufficient capacity to accommodate increased activity. Issues with estates, equipment, and staffing would prevent providers from meeting KPIs and national diagnostic standards.

During this interim period, the 6 CCGs will procure an enhanced Direct Access community radiology service with amendments to the current contract terms and conditions, including tariffs, service specification, quality requirements, and volume per modality. The enhanced service will enable earlier diagnostics/diagnoses of conditions and reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to secondary care. The service will also support the management of care outside of a hospital setting.