NHS Arden & GEM Commissioning Support Unit (CSU) has been appointed to provide clinical support services on behalf of five Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across Norfolk and Waveney. The contract will start on 1 April 2018.
The appointment was the result of a competitive tender process, delivered via the NHS England Lead Provider Framework (LPF), conducted by North Norfolk, South Norfolk, West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, and Norwich CCGs. The contract, worth £7 million over a four year period, will cover key clinical services to support the five CCGs, who serve a total population in excess of 1 million.
The service provision will fall into two areas: medicines management and optimisation, and individual funded request support. The decision was based on the CSU’s successful track record in providing clinical support services at both a strategic and operational level including experience of reducing waste and variation, promoting innovation, and enabling high quality decision making.
“We are delighted to have secured this opportunity to enter into a strategic partnership with Norfolk and Waveney CCGs. We will be providing a responsive service, at the forefront of the medicines optimisation and IFR agenda that is underpinned by the latest technology, with embedded experts working in each site.
“Our team is looking forward to delivering high quality, efficient and innovative clinical support, which ultimately improves outcomes for patients.”
Louise Newcombe, Director of Clinical Services at Arden & GEM CSU
The appointment follows the announcement earlier this month, that Arden & GEM CSU will also be providing a range of commissioning support services to the five Norfolk and Waveney CCGs, including corporate and clinical IT, in a contract worth £32m.
The mobilisation and management of the service will be overseen by a dedicated regional director with extensive NHS leadership experience. The service will be fully operational from April 2018.
The current provider of services, North East London (NEL) Commissioning Support Unit, will be working closely with Arden & GEM to ensure a smooth transition, for both CCGs and affected staff.