In 2024, the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust established a Framework Agreement under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 (and as amended) (the PSR) for use by all Relevant Authorities (and any future successors to these organisations). This is extended to be include the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime)(Wales) Regulations 2025. "Relevant authority" is defined in section 12ZB(7) of the National Health Service Act 2006 and in section 10A(9) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006. It means a combined authority, an integrated care board, a local authority in England, NHS England, an NHS foundation trust or an NHS trust established under section 25 of that Act, a county council or county borough council in Wales, a local health board established under section 11 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, a National Health Service trust established under section 18 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, or a special health authority established under section 22 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006. For the avoidance of doubt, any successor bodies of any of the above entities shall be entitled to place Orders and shall be deemed Relevant Authorities for the purposes of this Framework Agreement. This framework agreement aims to support mental health patient requirements through the provision of secure patient transport services. The framework was awarded to run for an initial term of 2 years with options to extend for up to a further 2 years in annual increments. The framework has been extended for 1 year, with one further extension available. As previously advertised in the Framework tender documentation, the Framework will be reopened to new applicants annually, approximately 90 days before the anniversary of the Framework Commencement Date. Previously appointed Suppliers will NOT be obliged to reapply on an annual basis. Framework Suppliers appointed on the first anniversary of the Framework Commencement Date will be awarded a Framework Agreement of up to 3 years duration; Framework Suppliers appointed on the second anniversary of the Framework Commencement Date will be awarded a Framework Agreement of up to 2 years duration and Framework Suppliers appointed on the third anniversary of the Framework Commencement Date will be awarded a Framework Agreement of up to 1 year duration. This notice concerns the Second re-opening of the Framework to new applicants.

The Supplier will provide secure patient transport services. The expected outcomes of the Services will be: • Provide patients with a safe, professional, and quality service which is appropriate to their needs. • Provide the appropriate vehicle and accompanying suitably qualified and experienced staff in a timely manner. • Convey patients to the appropriate destination in a vehicle suitable for their needs, ensuring their dignity and respect. • Provide a high-quality service based on individual patient needs which meets industry best practice and NICE guidance. • Provide an efficient, easy to use booking system for Contracting Authorities to utilise to minimise delays. • Provide all appropriate paperwork and service level reports in accordance with national and local requirements. • Eliminate aborted journeys/empty vehicles to provide a financially and environmentally sustainable service.