OFFICIAL
Request for potential providers to Express an Interest to provide Bedaquiline and Delamanid for defined patients with Multidrug-Resistant / Extensively Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-XDR-TB)
Bravo reference: NHSE_Specialised_MDRXDRTB
NHS England are inviting Expressions of Interests from suitably experienced, competent and skilled providers wishing to demonstrate compliance with the requirements as set out in this notice for the provision of Bedaquiline and Delamanid for defined patients with Multidrug-Resistant / Extensively Drug-resistant Tuberculosis .
All interested providers must respond to this expression of interest in order to participate in the procurement process. Interested providers must ensure they meet the relevant criteria in order to express their interest.
Outline of the Service Requirement
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that continues to represent a significant
public health problem in England and worldwide. England has one of the highest
incidence rates of TB within Western European countries (Public Health England,
2014). There is great variation in distribution of TB in England with certain subgroups,
such as new migrants, ethnic minority groups, and those with social risk
factors disproportionally affected.
Drug resistance represents a major challenge to TB control. Multidrug-resistant
tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis that is resistant to, at least two anti-
TB drugs, rifampicin and isoniazid; extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB)
is a form of TB that is MDR TB with additional resistance to any fluoroquinolone and
to at least one of three injectable anti-TB drugs (i.e., kanamycin, capreomycin, or
amikacin), and associated with high mortality, particularly among people living with
human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV).
NHS England will commission a provider(s) of bedaquiline and delamanid as an adjuvant for the treatment of proven multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR- and XDR-TB) for adult patients who have proven MDR- or XDR-TB and where there is documented evidence of resistance to fluoroquinolones or intolerance to second line drugs.
NHS England is seeking Expressions of Interests from providers that can provide Bedaquiline and Delamanid that meet the specific terms set out in the NHS England Policy and Service Specification.
MDR-TB Prescribing Centres will have established experience and expertise to manage and support patients with MDR- and XDR-TB. This will include provision of services for treatment, that is, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach involving ID specialist and/or speciality clinician. Input likely to include nursing, radiology and pharmacology. In the management of drug resistant infections, in complex and rare infections, treatment is likely to include use of isolation facilitates. Treatment adherence is often critical so appropriate support for the patient is required.
In terms of control for such complex and rare infections, treatment is likely to include use of isolation facilitates – including negative pressure rooms - with appropriate air handling and air filtration systems (for protection of staff and public as per Health & Safety Executive and Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens guidelines). Other specialist facilities include specimen containment equipment. Surveillance reporting is to be provided.
Instructions in applying for this Expression of Interest:
In making an EoI, potential providers of this service must have the ability to:
§ Meet the contract terms set out in the NHS Standard contract:
§ http://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-standard-contract/15-16/
§ Provide regional tertiary referral units with dedicated negative pressure rooms and outpatients facilities;
§ annual case load of at least 50 TB index cases;
§ Provide onsite or formal links with, and rapid access to, specialist paediatric and HIV services;
§ Provide formal links to a thoracic surgical unit;
§ Provide access to rapid molecular diagnostics;
§ Offer IV antibiotics to outpatients;
§ Provide dedicated outreach and DOT service;
§ Provide a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) with representation from the Centre’s microbiology and pharmacy teams.
This is not an exhaustive list but gives an indication of the scope of what will be required and only organisations who can demonstrate that they can meet these compliance requirements should consider expressing an interest.
If your organisation expect to meet these requirements then you must register your interest by accessing the Arden & GEM Bravo Solutions e-procurement portal and by downloading the “NHS England – MDRXDRTB” Expression of Interest Proforma’ at the following address:
https://ardengemcsu.bravosolution.co.uk
Providers will be required to complete the Proforma and sign to confirm they meet or plan to meet the requirements as set out in this document. The completed document will need to be attached via the Arden & GEM Bravo e-procurement portal messaging system.
Any question or other queries to be submitted via the Arden & GEM Bravo Solutions e-procurement portal at the following address:
https://ardengemcsu.bravosolution.co.uk
Providers need to register and complete the registration sheet by 5pm 29th December 2015.
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