NWL0040 Community Audiology Service - Brent

NWL CCG requires a community audiology service to increase access to audiology services and meet the needs of the Brent GP registered population who are experiencing hearing and communication difficulties. The provider is required to assess, treat and monitor rehabilitation services for hearing impaired people who are referred under the service provision and provide an initial assessment of their hearing problem and determine whether they might benefit from hearing aids; and provide advice and guidance to existing users of hearing aids.

Key services required include:

• Assessment and fitting of hearing aids.
• Counselling in line with national guidance and the NWL diagnostics pathway.
• Delivery of service to the standards provided under the NHS Hearing Aid services MHAS programme, in accordance with current clinical protocols specified by the British Society of Audiology and the British Academy of Audiology.

The Provider will need to have systems in place to accommodate patients who have complex needs unrelated to their hearing loss, such as sight loss, learning disabilities, dementia, autism or physical disabilities.

The CCG currently has a contract in place with InHealth Limited to provide the services. The term of this contract is 6 months, 1st October 2021 - 31st March 2022 (value: £160,980.00), during which time the CCG will review the needs of the service users and consider how (if relevant) it needs to:

• Secure the needs of the people who use the services.
• Improve the quality of the services.
• Improve the efficiency through the services being provided in a standardised NWL-wide delivery model for community audiology service.

NWL CCG is considering options for making future arrangements for these services beyond 1st April 2022 which may involve looking to tender the opportunity in the future. Any capable provider may come forward by 4th March 2022 to engage with the CCG.

If it is the case that InHealth Limited is the only provider capable of delivering the services described, then the CCG will look to award a further contract to InHealth Limited for up to 2 years starting on 1st April 2022.

During 2022, it is anticipated that NWL CCG will be succeeded by an Integrated Care Board (ICB). Any future contract and/or procurement opportunity may therefore be in the name of the ICB.