NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care Contract

The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board has confirmed the award of a contract for the NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care (IUC) service. This significant procurement, categorised under health services, covers the region of North East England (UKC), and has been awarded to the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS). The contract, valued at £75,730,850, commenced on 1st October 2025 and is set to run until 30th September 2028, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

Notably, the award follows a 'Direct Award A' process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, thus not falling under the Procurement Act 2023. The procurement method used was limited tendering without a prior call for competition, reflecting the tailored approach necessary for health services procurement. This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses operating within the health services domain, particularly those with capabilities in managing urgent care pathways, such as 999 and 111 calls.

While this specific contract was directly awarded to NEAS, understanding this procurement process can benefit similar organisations by preparing them for potential future tenders that require expertise in integrated urgent care services. Companies with a strong track record in healthcare service delivery, patient care technology solutions, or cost-effective healthcare management practices may find opportunities for collaboration or future competition in similar public tenders. Moreover, the insights into procurement methodologies used, such as the Provider Selection Regime, allow businesses to strategically align their services to meet the specific needs of public health sector requirements.