Provision of Diabetic Eye Screening Programme in Birmingham (DESP), Solihull and the Black Country (West Midlands)

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit on behalf of NHS England - Midlands (the Commissioner) invited suitably qualified providers to deliver a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country (West Midlands).

The contract (NHS Standard) will start on 1st October 2022 and will run for a duration of 5 years (initial period). The Commissioner has the option to extend for up to a further 2 years making a possible maximum contract duration of 7 years.

The aims of the DESP 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. The Service will align to the National Diabetic Eye Screening Service Specification which aims to ensure a consistent and equitable approach across England, and to govern the provision and monitoring of the DESP.

The Service will undertake and perform the following objectives:

• Identify the eligible population and ensure effective delivery with maximum coverage.
• Deliver safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.
• Lead to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes.
• Deliver and support thorough suitably trained, competent, and qualified, clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous Professional Development (CPD), and Quality Assurance (QA) schemes; as well as have regular audits embedded within the service.

The DESP programme contributes to the public health outcomes framework which aims to improve and protect the nation’s health and wellbeing and to improve the health of the poorest, fastest. Additional information: The Procurement was conducted in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (the “Regulations ”). The Services was procured as “Schedule 3 - Social and Other Specific Services” and AGCSU is bound only by those parts of the Regulations applying to Schedule 3 services.