Medical Physics Support Services
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ("the Trust") is seeking feedback from interested suppliers in relation to the procurement of a Medical Physics Support Services Contract.
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides acute hospital services from Great Western Hospital, Swindon, together with community healthcare services across Wiltshire.
The Trust requires specialist Medical Physics Support Services to ensure the safe, effective, and compliant operation of diagnostic imaging and other clinical equipment utilising ionising and non-ionising radiation. These services support compliance with relevant legislation, professional standards, and regulatory requirements, whilst contributing to patient safety, service quality and clinical governance.
Services are currently delivered across multiple locations, including:
• Great Western Hospital, Swindon
• Savernake Hospital, Marlborough
• Fairford Hospital
• West Swindon Community Diagnostic Centre
Scope of Services
The proposed scope of services may include, but is not limited to:
Radiation Protection and Scientific Advisory Services
• Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) Services
• Medical Physics Expert (MPE) Services
• Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) Services
• Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) Services
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) Safety Expert Services
Quality Assurance and Equipment Performance Testing
Support for a range of clinical modalities, including:
• Diagnostic Radiology
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound
• Laser and Optical Radiation Equipment
Services may include acceptance testing, routine quality assurance, optimisation support, dosimetry services, incident investigation support and specialist scientific advice.
Governance and Compliance Support
• Compliance support relating to IRR17 and IR(ME)R
• Radiation safety audits and inspections
• Governance and committee support
• Advice relating to equipment procurement and replacement
• Estate developments, equipment installations and refurbishment projects
• Training and awareness support
Equipment Portfolio
The Trust operates a diverse medical imaging and clinical equipment estate including diagnostic radiology, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, laser and ultraviolet therapy equipment.
The equipment portfolio may vary during the term of any future contract.
Proposed Contract
The Authority is considering a contract for the provision of Medical Physics Support Services across its acute and community sites.
The proposed scope currently excludes Wiltshire Breast Screening Service Medical Physics Expert services, which are subject to separate arrangements.
The anticipated contract term and estimated contract value will be confirmed as part of any subsequent provider selection process.
Most Suitable Provider Process
The Authority intends to undertake the Most Suitable Provider Process in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and will assess potential providers against the key criteria set out within the regulations, including:
• Quality and Innovation
• Value
• Integration, Collaboration and Service Sustainability
• Improving Access, Reducing Health Inequalities and Facilitating Choice
• Social Value
Market Engagement
Prior to commencing the provider selection process, the Authority may engage with interested providers to better understand market capability, service delivery models, and innovations relevant to the proposed service.
Any engagement undertaken will be for information-gathering purposes only and will not confer any advantage in relation to the subsequent provider selection process.
Further Information
Should the Authority proceed with the Most Suitable Provider Process, further information regarding the service requirements, award criteria and timetable will be published in accordance with the requirements of the Provider Selection Regime.