NHS England has suspended a brand new £300m framework to purchase digital GP providers after a “declare” was concern over the method, based on HSJ.
The digital pathways framework was presupposed to drive a fast transfer to “fashionable normal follow”, HSJ reported, by connecting built-in care boards with accepted suppliers for instruments together with messaging, consultations and care navigation.
A young, which estimated the contract at £300 million, was closed in November following an earlier delay. HSJ state that final spring, NHSE stated the framework ought to be “absolutely launched in August with provider contracts awarded”, then in September that it was “as a result of be out there by December”.
Nevertheless in a message to suppliers this week, seen by HSJ, NHSE stated the brand new framework had been “robotically suspended” whereas it managed a declare towards it.
It said: “The authority want to notify bidders of a delay within the award of the framework. The delay is because of a declare that has been issued towards the authority and as a part of this course of, an automated suspension of development has been triggered due to this fact the mandatory approvals course of and contract award has been delayed.
“As I’m positive you’ll recognize, we shouldn’t have any further info that may be launched right now and can talk additional as soon as the method permits.” Particulars of the “declare” are unknown right now, HSJ confirmed.
One ICB supply informed HSJ of their frustrations concerning the delay and that it was “doubtlessly laying aside” native main care restoration.
The full procurement worth of the framework is estimated to be £297m based on the contract discover, with an preliminary 12 month time period and a possible extension of 36 months. It is because of substitute the Digital First On-line Session and Video Session framework, which ends in March.
An NHS England spokesperson informed HSJ: “A declare has been issued in respect of this procurement and the automated suspension has been triggered. As such, the mandatory approvals course of and contract award has been delayed because of this.”