QHM-2025-7346 Fletcher Gamble Ltd (Pelton Fell Pharmacy)

The procurement process initiated by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board pertains to the award of a contract under the Direct Award Process A in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) regulations of 2023. This procurement process does not adhere to the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, as it falls outside their scope. The contract, titled "QHM-2025-7346 Fletcher Gamble Ltd (Pelton Fell Pharmacy)" focuses on health services, specifically in areas including food thickening and stocking palliative drugs.

The project is located in the Sunderland region, UKC, with NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board acting as the buyer. The contract's outlined period is from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, having been delivered on an implied contract before the formal start date on 1 April 2025. The procurement stage is currently complete, and the award was signed on 1 October 2025.

This tender presents business growth opportunities particularly suited to suppliers who specialise in healthcare services, such as those providing food thickening products and palliative care drugs. Given the unique nature of this direct award process, businesses with existing service frameworks and the capability to deliver activity-based contracts without guaranteed values may find this opportunity advantageous. Fletcher Gamble Ltd, trading as Pelton Fell Pharmacy, was identified as the provider given there were no realistic alternative providers, underscoring the potential for large-scale suppliers who can cater to niche healthcare needs efficiently.

Given the focus on offering critical health services, companies able to maintain high-quality delivery standards without traditional competitive bidding can benefit from engaging in this sector.