The Follow Me Service for the Wessex ODN

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has successfully awarded a contract for the provision of "The Follow Me Service for the Wessex ODN" under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. This contract pertains to outpatient care services aimed at improving access to testing and treatment for hepatitis C across community services in the UK, particularly within the Southampton region (UKJ32). The procurement process was enacted through a limited method without prior publication of a call for competition, highlighting a direct award approach due to a lack of realistic alternative providers.

The service is set to be active between 1 July 2024 and 1 July 2026, with potential for a five-year extension, and represents a contract value of £260,000. The award has been confirmed as of 1 October 2025. This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in healthcare services, particularly those focused on infectious diseases like hepatitis C.

Companies with expertise in providing outpatient care services and those capable of expanding or supporting community healthcare initiatives would find this contract particularly beneficial for growth. The involvement of The Hepatitis C Trust as the supplier indicates a strong preference for experienced and large-scale providers in this domain. With the possibility of contract extension and the emphasis on specialist healthcare provisions, businesses with long-term capabilities in delivering high-quality medical services are well-suited to compete and excel in this tender.