PROVISION OF ORAL HEALTH AND PERSONAL NHS DENTAL SERVICES

Tower Hamlets PCT is inviting expressions of interest to tender to become the provider of a new innovative NHS dental service in the Bow area.

The Context

Tower Hamlets PCT is responsible for commissioning health care and dental services for some 230,000 people in a multicultural inner city area. The PCT is seeking to improve oral health through increasing access to and take-up of general dental services in the Bow area, where there is currently limited NHS provision, evidence of relatively poor oral health and historically low take-up of dental services. The practice will be expected to collaborate with other healthcare providers in Bow to provide a fully integrated health service.

Indicative patient numbers are 4,500. The contract value will be based partly on units of dental activity, and partly on care pathway compliance and improved oral health outcomes.

The Requirement

The PCT seeks a Provider to deliver high quality dental services to patients in Bow under the terms of a PDS Agreement, for an initial term of 10 years with a 5-year break option. The practice will be required to deliver a model of care aimed at improving oral health, which follows the PCT's evidence-based protocols, and works in partnership with the PCT to pioneer innovations in dental team working to support this approach.

The PCT is seeking to procure, fit out and equip suitable premises ready for occupation in November. Alternatively, bidders may advise the PCT if they are in a position to provide practice premises in the Bow area.

Time Frame

The PCT aims to have the new practice fully operational by 1st January 2009.

Organisations or individuals wishing to express an interest in tendering for these services should contact Shaju Jose (Projects Assistant) on 020 8223 8607 or email shaju.jose@thpct.nhs.uk by 12:00 hours on Tuesday 27th May 2008, quoting reference 120/THPCT/DENT/05/08/SJ.

A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be sent to all who express an interest on Wednesday 28th May 2008.The closing date for submission of completed questionnaires is 12:00 hours on Friday 13th June 2008. Short listed applicants will be sent full contract documentation and invited to tender for the provision of this service.

A briefing event will be held in Tower Hamlets on Friday 30th May 2008, 14:30-16:30. An information pack will be emailed to all who express an interest.

Working Towards Equal Opportunities The PCT offers a wide range of flexible working options for employees as well as membership of the NHS Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
www.thpct.nhs.uk