Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages - Most Suitable Provider Process

Descriptions

This is an Intended Approach Notice to award contracts using the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages in the North West (Lot 1) and North East and Yorkshire (Lot 2).

The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf

The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.

The above aim will be achieved by:
(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism).
(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT
treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate.
(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.
(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.
(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required.
(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate.
(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service.
(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.

Decompression Illness
Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. The geographical distribution of cases of decompression illness is determined by the local level of diving activity, and is concentrated around coastal areas, inland expanses of water and the locations of residence of the divers. Airports provide a significant minority of patients usually returning from a diving trip overseas. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.

Gas embolism
Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year. However, this may be an underestimate of the number of actual cases.

The Commissioner's assessment of each potential provider will take into account the basic selection criteria and the following key criteria:
• Quality and innovation;
• Value;
• Integration, collaboration and service sustainability;
• Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice; and
• Social value.
The Commissioner's assessment will be on a [pass/fail] basis

If you believe your organisation can provide the full set of requirements, please register on the e-Tendering portal at https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome against project reference C367512 to access the MSP documentation and submit your response.

The deadline for submitting completed Expression of Interest Questionnaires and Declarations is 12pm, midday, on Wednesday 5th November 2025.

It is anticipated that provider assessments will be completed between November and December 2025.