Community Audiology

The NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board is leading a procurement titled "Community Audiology", classified under ENT or audiologist services. This procurement focuses on delivering age-related hearing assessments and aids across community settings within the Lancashire and South Cumbria region. The process currently stands at the intention to award stage, with a contract expected to start on 1st April 2025 and ending on 31st March 2028.

The contract may be extended by two additional years, and the total contract value, including the extension, is approximately £9,305,680. This procurement follows a limited procurement method without prior advertisement, as set out in the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, thus falling outside the usual directive scope. This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in healthcare services, especially those specialising in audiology, to engage with the NHS.

Given the contract's reliance on an existing provider, businesses with an established track record in service delivery, particularly in audiology, are well-positioned to support or offer supplementary services. There is an emphasis on quality, integration, and innovation, aligning with NHS objectives to improve access and reduce health inequalities. Although the selection has focused on an existing provider, businesses that offer complementary technologies or services that enhance patient outcomes could potentially find avenues for collaboration or future opportunities.