Planning

Soft Market Testing - Pharmacy Aseptic Services Joint Venture

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS PLYMOUTH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Jan 2026 at 15:10

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is entering the planning stage of a procurement process titled "Soft Market Testing – Pharmacy Aseptic Services Joint Venture". The focus is on developing a new suite for Pharmacy Aseptic Services, addressing needs such as chemotherapy preparation and outpatient antimicrobial therapy. In the context of this planning phase, the Trust is actively engaging in a preliminary market consultation to explore potential partnership models with private sector entities. An engagement event is scheduled for 4 February 2026 at the Trust's location in Plymouth, UK. Interested parties are invited to contribute insights, which will guide the Trust's future procurement strategy. This project falls under the services category, dealing primarily with pharmaceuticals and medical services, and is an initiative above the threshold, indicating significant scope and investment.

This soft market testing represents a valuable opportunity for businesses in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly those specialising in aseptic services, healthcare partnerships, or medical facility operations. Given the requirement for both technical and operational expertise, organisations with a proven track record in the healthcare industry could play a critical role in shaping and eventually delivering the project's goals. The consideration of diverse delivery and funding models, including joint ventures, opens doors for innovative private sector collaborations to establish long-term partnerships with a major public health institution. Firms are encouraged to participate not only for potential future contracts but also to influence the project's scope and direction during its formative planning stage.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Soft Market Testing - Pharmacy Aseptic Services Joint Venture

Notice Description

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) is exploring options for the development of a new Pharmacy Aseptic Services suite. The proposed facility is intended to provide a comprehensive range of aseptic services including: Chemotherapy preparation Centralised Intravenous Additive Services (CIVAS) Outpatient Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT/OPIT) support Clinical Trials aseptic support Future-proofed capacity for expected demand growth As part of this appraisal, the Trust is considering a range of potential delivery and funding models, including the possibility of forming a Joint Venture or other partnership with the private sector. The purpose of this soft market testing exercise is to understand: The level of interest from suppliers and investors in partnering with the Trust The range of commercial, technical, and operational models available in the market Key risks, dependencies, and proposed approaches Potential timelines and delivery routes Options that best support service continuity during construction This exercise is not a call for competition, nor part of a formal procurement process. Responses received will help shape the Trust's strategy and any potential future procurement.

Planning Information

Following this notice, the Trust intends to hold individual supplier discussions with interested parties. These will be held on the morning of Tuesday, 4 February 2026, between 08:00 and 11:00, with specific time allocations based on the level of interest received. Prior to these sessions, the Trust will circulate a brief slide pack summarising the project scope and areas where market input is sought. How to Respond: Interested organisations are invited to express their interest via the Atamis messaging portal. Please include: A brief summary of your organisation Relevant experience with aseptic services or healthcare partnership models Your preferred time window for the 4 February discussion The Trust may issue follow‑up questions or request additional information ahead of the individual sessions.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0608eb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004422-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories

85149000 - Pharmacy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Jan 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
4 Feb 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2027 - 30 Jun 2037 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS PLYMOUTH
Contact Name
Paul Drummond
Contact Email
p.drummond@nhs.net
Contact Phone
01752 434915

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH
Postcode
PL6 8DH
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Moor View
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Moor View

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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