QHM-2025-7785

The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board is the buying organisation for the procurement process titled "QHM-2025-7785". This contract involves providing health services in the region UKC, focusing on aspects such as food thickening, stocking palliative drugs, flu antivirals, tuberculosis drugs, and the MECATS voucher. The procurement process falls under the services category and is currently at the award stage, with the contract having been signed on 1st October 2025.

This contract follows the Direct Award Process A under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) regulations of 2023 and is not governed by the Procurement Act 2023 or Procurement Regulations 2024. The contract starts on 1st April 2025 and ends on 31st March 2026, providing an existing service with no guaranteed contract value as the services are activity-based. This procurement provides opportunities for businesses specializing in health services, especially those with expertise in pharmaceuticals and drug supply chains.

Although the award has been made to Bestway National Chemists Ltd (T/A Well), businesses engaged in similar sectors could find opportunities for subcontracting or future bidding in related service categories. The industry-specific nature of the contract, focusing on critical health services such as flu antivirals and palliative care, offers potential growth opportunities for suppliers who can further innovate or expand within the healthcare industry. Companies must note the unique procurement method utilised, which was conducted without prior publication of a competitive call, suggesting that businesses with niche capabilities may have an advantage in similar future procurements.