Planning

Secure Patients Transport for Mental Health Patients

NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Sep 2025 at 09:42

Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, is in the planning stage for a procurement process entitled "Secure Patients Transport for Mental Health Patients". This initiative, which aligns with Welsh devolved regulations, is targeted at ensuring the safety and secure transportation of mental health patients across Cardiff and potentially wider areas in the United Kingdom (location: UKL22). The procurement method is using an open procedure, focusing on service delivery within the industry category of specialised road passenger transport and ambulance services. The anticipated contract will run from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029, with the planning process currently underway, and further notices expected by 3rd November 2025.

This tender represents a substantial growth opportunity for businesses in the transport and healthcare industries, particularly those specialising in secure and specialised transportations, such as patient transport services. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to apply, highlighting inclusivity in the bidding process. Companies with expertise in handling secure, mental health-oriented transport logistics, and low-carbon fleet operations are ideally suited to compete, as the service requires vehicles with specialist modifications and a nationwide operation. The gross contract value is projected at £3,000,000, offering a lucrative opportunity for businesses aiming to expand their service offerings and geographical footprint.

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Notice Title

Secure Patients Transport for Mental Health Patients

Notice Description

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB), have the requirement for Secure Mental Health Patient Transport, which involves the safe and appropriate transfer of individuals experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or crises. This includes transfers between hospitals, from home or care settings to hospital, and to or from secure facilities. The service must ensure the safety of the patient, transport staff, and the public. It requires trained personnel skilled in de-escalation and restraint, specialist vehicles with appropriate safety modifications, and the use of physical or procedural controls where necessary, particularly for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. The service requirements must be available 24/7, using secure, specialist mental health vehicles. Vehicles should be equipped with pods or cells when required, based on a risk assessment. Response times must meet the following standards: * Urgent: within 30 minutes * Standard: within 4 hours * Pre-planned: within and up to 24 hours The service must provide national coverage with no distance limitations and should operate a fleet that is either already low-carbon or transitioning away from petrol and diesel. A robust booking and communication system is essential, along with staff who are knowledgeable about the Mental Health Act. Staffing levels should be determined through a risk assessment process.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059754
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055281-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

60120000 - Taxi services

60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services

60171000 - Hire of passenger cars with driver

85143000 - Ambulance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)
Contact Name
Lily Prance
Contact Email
lily.prance@wales.nhs.uk
Contact Phone
+442921500642

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF14 4HH
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Heath
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff North

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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