North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust Out of Area Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Placement Reference Number LD/RB24

The North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust has awarded a contract for Out of Area Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) services to Cygnet Hospital Wyke, reflecting a direct award process under the Health Care Services Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023. This award, confirmed on 18th November 2025, does not fall under the Procurement Act 2023 and involves specialised psychiatric hospital services in Bradford, under the main procurement category of services. The contract value amounts to £28,420, covering an estimated four-week period from the date of award, though the exact duration remains flexible.

This award follows a limited procurement method without prior publication due to the urgency and specificity of the service needed. This contract provides significant opportunities for psychiatric healthcare providers with capabilities in delivering intensive psychiatric care. Large healthcare providers, particularly those specialising in handling acutely disturbed mental disorders, would find this contract attractive, as it ensures continued business with the NHS Trust under an ongoing and previously established service model.

Given the bespoke nature of the PICU services required, businesses with experience in rapid response to urgent healthcare needs would be best placed to compete in similar future tenders. The procurement method and direct award process highlight the demand for reliable and immediate healthcare solutions, inviting specialised providers to enhance their offerings to meet evolving NHS requirements.