NHS England South (South Central) (the Commissioner) seeks to commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme service for patients in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. This procurement is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCWCSU) on behalf of the Commissioners”.

The Commissioner is looking for a single provider to deliver a high-quality service across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The aim of the NDESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment if necessary of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy. In line with the national specification the screening programme must operate a 12 month screening interval for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening plus digital surveillance clinics for individuals who require more frequent screening. The Commissioners would like to encourage innovative solutions which will deliver value for money and improved services to patients.

The Commissioners seeks from suitably qualified and experienced providers including third sector and social enterprise organisations, private and NHS to provide the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NDESP) to patients living and registered in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW).

The aim of the contract is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment if necessary of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy, at the appropriate stage during the disease process.

This will be achieved by delivering evidence-based, population-based screening programmes that:

— Identify the eligible population and ensure effective delivery with maximum coverage;

— Are safe, effective, of a high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured;

— Lead to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes;

— Are delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified, clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing CME, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and Quality Assurance (QA) schemes;

— Have audit embedded in the service.

The contract duration will be 3 years and 64 days — Bath and North East Somerset and Swindon contracts will commence on 27.1.2017 followed by Wiltshire which will commence on 1.4.2017. The contract will expire on 31.3.2020 subject to the option to extend for a further 12 months.