In order to implement the extended access initiative, NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG wishes to procure a general practice extended access service for patients living within Eastern Cheshire. This service will be accessible by all of the patients of the 24 GP practices that are covered by NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG. The general practice extended access service will improve access and experience for patients by providing additional capacity for pre-bookable and book on the day general practice appointments, which are more convenient for patients and offer shorter waits, both during and outside traditional general practice hours. These appointments will include evening appointments from Monday to Friday and also during Saturdays and Sundays.

The recently published 'Refreshing NHS Plans for 2018/19' requires all CCGs to provide extended access to general practice to their whole population by 1.10.2018. The initiative aims for all patients to have improved access to general practice services including sufficient routine appointments at evenings and weekends to meet locally determined demand. NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG is looking for a provider of primary care services as part of this NHS England initiative.

NHS England has developed seven core national requirements for the delivery of improved access in order to bring parity to the Improved access offer across the country and these requirements are:

— timing of appointments,

— capacity,

— measurement,

— advertising and ease of access,

— digital,

— inequalities,

— effective access to wider whole-system services.

In order to implement the extended access initiative, NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG wishes to procure a general practice extended access service for patients living within Eastern Cheshire. This service will be accessible by all of the patients of the 24 GP practices that are covered by NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG. The general practice extended access service will improve access and experience for patients by providing additional capacity for pre-bookable and book on the day general practice appointments, which are more convenient for patients and offer shorter waits, both during and outside traditional general practice hours. These appointments will include evening appointments from Monday to Friday and also during Saturdays and Sundays.

Bidders must submit their ITT submissions via the BravoSolution e-tendering portal. Potential suppliers should be aware that their ITT submissions should be submitted by Thursday 12th July (by 23.59 hours), clarifications to the documents should be submitted by 3.7.2018 (by 23:59 hours), reflecting the urgency of identifying suitable and capable providers in order to deliver the required go-live date of the 1.10.2018. Bidders should note that whilst the CCG does not intend to depart from the timetable provided, it reserves the right to do so at any time.

There will be a contract period of 6 months. The contract value is set at 609 885 GBP for the period of the contract.