Background

NOE CPC were approached by Doncaster Health Economy for bespoke support to deliver the enteral nutrition procurement for both inpatients and patients within the community. Comprising Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Bassetlaw CCG, and NHS Doncaster CCG, the Doncaster Health Economy required a contract for the provision of enteral feeding pumps, feeds and consumables to hospital sites and the provision of a home delivery service for community patients.

The project

Michelle Walker, NOE CPC Category Manager for Healthcare Services, led the project. This included formulating and finalising a specification for the service provision for:

• Feeds
• Pumps
• Delivery Service
• Nursing Support.

Michelle reviewed and revised the entire tender process and drafted the tender documents including questions and criteria. Providing ongoing support to Doncaster Health Economy during the evaluation, Michelle managed the moderation over three days, wrote the standstill letters, issued them and concluded the process without challenge.

Outcome

The project was completed with full end to end service provision for three years with an option to extend the framework for a further 2 x 24 month periods.

Enteral nutrition has historically been considered a challenging service for procurement. Acutely aware of the potential pitfalls, Michelle designed a robust, compliant process in which to deliver the procurement. By following best practice and undertaking a thorough procurement process Michelle was able to deliver a tailored solution to meet the requirements of Doncaster Health Economy.

Testimonial

The NOE CPC and the advice and support provided by Michelle as project lead has been absolutely essential in this procurement process. The process has been challenging but due to the knowledge and level of expertise it has been clear how challenges would be overcome and Michelle had the foresight to identify where challenges were likely to arise. As a result we are pleased to have procured a high-quality and cost effective service that fully meets the needs of the patients in the Doncaster Health Economy. I would highly recommend NOE CPC and Michelle Walker in particular.

Sophie Hempsall, Nutrition & Dietetics Manager/Professional Lead, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The procurement process run by NOE CPC was very professional, offering great advice at the appropriate stages. Led from start to finish by NOE CPC, linking into the procurement professionals at the Trust when required, the process ran smoothly and I would highly recommend NOE CPC as an organisation who are more than capable of running or advising on any large scale procurement exercises. 

Richard Somerset , Head of Procurement, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust