Expressions of Interest for the Provision of Urgent Dental Care in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (excluding Bassetlaw)

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU) on behalf of NHS Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (The Commissioner) is placing this Prior Information Notice (PIN) regarding Urgent Dental Care across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (excluding Bassetlaw) which will be used as a conduit to obtain feedback from the market to ascertain market capability and interest in the opportunity.

Commissioners would like to invite feedback from potential bidders on the commissioning proposal for the provision of Urgent Dental Care across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (excluding Bassetlaw). The feedback aims to achieve several critical objectives:

• Assessing Market Capability: Understanding the capability of the market is essential for the commissioners to ensure that the proposed services can be delivered efficiently and effectively. Feedback from providers will help identify any potential challenges or gaps in the market, allowing for adjustments to be made to the procurement strategy or service requirements.

• Gauge Interest Levels: The feedback process is a crucial step in measuring the level of interest among potential bidders. This information helps in planning the procurement process, ensuring sufficient competition, and potentially identifying innovative approaches or solutions from different providers.

• Ensuring Compliance and Quality: By soliciting feedback, the commissioners can ensure that the proposed services will meet all necessary regulatory and quality standards.

• Reducing A&E Attendances: The feedback aims to refine the urgent dental care services in a way that reduces inappropriate attendances at Accident & Emergency departments. By improving access to urgent dental care, the overall healthcare system becomes more efficient, relieving pressure on emergency services.

• Improving Patient Care: The ultimate goal of this feedback is to ensure that the services provided are safe, caring, appropriate, and accessible. By incorporating feedback from potential providers, the commissioners aim to deliver a high standard of care that meets the needs of the population.

• Integrated Health Care Approach: Feedback will also help in ensuring that the urgent dental care service integrates seamlessly with other unscheduled health care services. This includes providing advice, care, and treatment via NHS 111, ensuring a cohesive approach to urgent health care delivery.

Commissioners will be looking to hold a market engagement event on the 2nd September 2024, and invites will be shared with those that express an interest via the e-tendering portal. If your organisation is interested in attending this event, then please respond to the questions on Atamis and register your interest in attending this webinar by 12.00pm on Friday 23rd August 2024 by following the instructions given below.

MS Teams link for the event will be shared by email to relevant attendees on Friday 30th August 2024.