Orthopaedic service (elbow, wrist or hand) to Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board

The NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board is in the award stage of a contract aimed at enhancing orthopaedic services, specifically tailored to issues of the elbow, wrist, or hand. The contract follows the Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023 and bypasses the usual Public Contracts Regulations 2015 due to its specific scope. This contract was awarded to the Hand to Elbow Clinic located at 29a James Street, West Bath.

The procurement process was limited and did not involve a prior call for competition under Regulation 8. The service has been actively contracted since 1 April 2024 with the contract set to expire on 31 March 2025. The focus is on providing orthopaedic assessment, investigation, and treatment, with an emphasis on quality based on patient choice.

This opportunity allows businesses specialising in orthopaedic services, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to align with existing healthcare frameworks and expand their service offerings in the health sector. Though the financial value of this contract appears minimal with a listed value of £0.01, the partnership offers strategic value and enhanced visibility within the NHS ecosystem. Companies with expertise in treating specific conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger release, and cyst excisions are especially well-suited to this contract.

The arrangement underscores the importance of maintaining high-quality health services in regional settings and could act as a gateway for businesses seeking to establish or strengthen their presence in healthcare service provision.