--- title: "Safe and Ethical Disposal of Nitrous Oxide and Entonox Medical Gases Challenge Opportunity" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-039390" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-039390" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-039390.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-039390.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)" published: "2022-12-22" --- # Safe and Ethical Disposal of Nitrous Oxide and Entonox Medical Gases Challenge Opportunity Buyer: NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST) Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-039390 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-039390) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-039390.json) ## Summary The Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board, in partnership with other Health Boards across Wales, is planning a tender opportunity titled "Safe and Ethical Disposal of Nitrous Oxide and Entonox Medical Gases Challenge Opportunity" under the goods category in the medical gases industry. The challenge aims to find sustainable solutions for the safe disposal of nitrous oxide and Entonox gases. The procurement process is initiated with a focus on feasibility funding of up to £50,000 per project for Phase 1, followed by development funding of up to £150,000 per project for Phase 2. The communication of future notices is scheduled for February 1, 2023. This tender presents a unique opportunity for businesses that can provide innovative solutions to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide and Entonox gases, offer cost-effective and sustainable disposal methods, reduce waste in supply systems, and improve air quality in delivery rooms. Companies experienced in developing environmentally friendly technologies and services within the healthcare sector would be well-suited to compete in this tender. The buying organisation, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services, is looking to engage with the market to drive this challenge forward and is open to exploring potential partnerships to address the outlined objectives. ## Notice Cardiff and Vale UHB along with other Health Boards across Wales have established a group to explore how nitrous oxide can be delivered via small portable cylinders and eliminate the use of the manifold system. Portable E sized N2O cylinder with a regulator and Schrader valve connection was trialled with success and this change has been rolled out across the University Hospital Llandough and the nitrous oxide manifold was decommissioned in April. We are looking for sustainable and cost effective solutions for the safe disposal of nitrous oxide and Entonox medical gases. Specifically around the following two Themes: Theme 1: Safe disposal of gas within partly filled nitrous oxide cylinders prior to return to the supplier; and Theme 2: A solution to the problem of the high levels of Entonox being released into the atmosphere following consumption on our wards. Applicants may apply for one or both Themes. Phase 1: Feasibility - We are looking to fund up to 5 projects up to a value of 50,000 (inclusive of VAT) each for Phase 1. Note: Only projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon funding allocation. Phase 2: Development - We expect to fund up to 3 of the most successful phase 1 projects up to a value of *150,000 each (inclusive of VAT). *Dependent upon funding allocation Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge. The total funding available for the competition can change. The funders have the right to: adjust the provisional funding allocations between the phases apply a 'portfolio' approach ### Lot Information Theme 1: Safe disposal of gas within partly filled nitrous oxide cylinders prior to return to the supplier Cardiff and Vale UHB along with other Health Boards across Wales have established a group to explore how nitrous oxide can be delivered via small portable cylinders and eliminate the use of the manifold system. Portable E sized N2O cylinder with a regulator and Schrader valve connection was trialled with success and this change has been rolled out across the University Hospital Llandough and the nitrous oxide manifold was decommissioned in April. The smaller cylinders have proven to be more efficient than the manifold and have an efficiency of 74%, compared to the piped supply from the manifold. This shows what huge gains there are to be made from moving over to a portable cylinder supply. We are left with two problems: 1. There are numerous partly filled large G size cylinders on the manifold which we no longer need. If they are returned, the remaining nitrous oxide will be released to the atmosphere. Current legislation prevents reuse/recycling of this gas. We want to find a way to prevent this nitrous oxide going into the atmosphere. 2. We also consume large amounts of Entonox (50% oxygen, 50% nitrous oxide) which is predominantly used by women for pain relief in labour. When this gas is used it is exhaled into the atmosphere. We would like to find an alternative solution which is suitable for widespread use in maternity units across Wales and the UK. The Healthcare Without Harm Report showed that 5.6% of UK emissions are from healthcare. The Welsh Government have declared a climate emergency and published NHS Wales Decarbonisation plan stating that the Welsh public sector will be carbon neutral by 2030. This ambitious plan specifically targets anaesthetic gases and includes nitrous oxide which has a global warming potential approximately 298 times that of carbon dioxide Challenge Details We are looking for sustainable and cost effective solutions for the safe disposal of nitrous oxide and Entonox medical gases. Specifically around the following two Themes: Theme 1: Safe disposal of gas within partly filled nitrous oxide cylinders prior to return to the supplier; and Theme 2: A solution to the problem of the high levels of Entonox being released into the atmosphere following consumption on our wards. We are looking to identify, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions that could: Reduce our emissions of nitrous oxide and Entonox; Provide a competitively priced and affordable solution to ensure the safe disposal of nitrous oxide and Entonox medical gases in a sustainable way; Reduce our purchasing of Entonox and nitrous oxide; Reduce waste in our Entonox supply system; and Improve air quality in the delivery rooms on labour wards. Applicants may apply for one or both Themes. Phase 1: Feasibility - We are looking to fund up to 5 projects up to a value of 50,000 (inclusive of VAT) each for Phase 1. Note: Only projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon funding allocation. Phase 2: Development - We expect to fund up to 3 of the most successful phase 1 projects up to a value of *150,000 each (inclusive of VAT). *Dependent upon funding allocation Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge. The total funding available for the competition can change. The funders have the right to: adjust the provisional funding allocations between the phases apply a 'portfolio' approach Additional information: We are looking to use this PIN to engage with the market to see what appetite there is in industry to help support and drive this challenge. Details of the challenge can also be provided in Welsh if required Theme 2: A solution to the problem of the high levels of Entonox being released into the atmosphere following consumption on our wards. Cardiff and Vale UHB along with other Health Boards across Wales have established a group to explore how nitrous oxide can be delivered via small portable cylinders and eliminate the use of the manifold system. Portable E sized N2O cylinder with a regulator and Schrader valve connection was trialled with success and this change has been rolled out across the University Hospital Llandough and the nitrous oxide manifold was decommissioned in April. The smaller cylinders have proven to be more efficient than the manifold and have an efficiency of 74%, compared to the piped supply from the manifold. This shows what huge gains there are to be made from moving over to a portable cylinder supply. We are left with two problems: 1. There are numerous partly filled large G size cylinders on the manifold which we no longer need. If they are returned, the remaining nitrous oxide will be released to the atmosphere. Current legislation prevents reuse/recycling of this gas. We want to find a way to prevent this nitrous oxide going into the atmosphere. 2. We also consume large amounts of Entonox (50% oxygen, 50% nitrous oxide) which is predominantly used by women for pain relief in labour. When this gas is used it is exhaled into the atmosphere. We would like to find an alternative solution which is suitable for widespread use in maternity units across Wales and the UK. The Healthcare Without Harm Report showed that 5.6% of UK emissions are from healthcare. The Welsh Government have declared a climate emergency and published NHS Wales Decarbonisation plan stating that the Welsh public sector will be carbon neutral by 2030. This ambitious plan specifically targets anaesthetic gases and includes nitrous oxide which has a global warming potential approximately 298 times that of carbon dioxide Theme 2: A solution to the problem of the high levels of Entonox being released into the atmosphere following consumption on our wards. We are looking to identify, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions that could: Reduce our emissions of nitrous oxide and Entonox; Provide a competitively priced and affordable solution to ensure the safe disposal of nitrous oxide and Entonox medical gases in a sustainable way; Reduce our purchasing of Entonox and nitrous oxide; Reduce waste in our Entonox supply system; and Improve air quality in the delivery rooms on labour wards. Applicants may apply for one or both Themes. Phase 1: Feasibility - We are looking to fund up to 5 projects up to a value of 50,000 (inclusive of VAT) each for Phase 1. Note: Only projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon funding allocation. Phase 2: Development - We expect to fund up to 3 of the most successful phase 1 projects up to a value of *150,000 each (inclusive of VAT). *Dependent upon funding allocation Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge. The total funding available for the competition can change. The funders have the right to: adjust the provisional funding allocations between the phases apply a 'portfolio' approach Additional information: We are looking to use this PIN to engage with the market to see what appetite there is in industry to help support and drive this challenge. Details of the challenge can also be provided in Welsh if required ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036297-2022 | | Notice type | Planning Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 22 Dec 2022 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 1 Feb 2023 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £700,000 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planned | | Lots status | Planned | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST) | | Locality | CARDIFF | | Post town | Cardiff | | Postcode | CF14 4HH | | Country | Wales | | ITL 1 | TLL Wales | | ITL 2 | TLL5 South East Wales | | ITL 3 | TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan | | Local authority | Cardiff | | Electoral ward | Heath | | Westminster constituency | Cardiff North | | Delivery location | TLL Wales | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 24 - Chemical products - 44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus) ### Codes - 24111500 - Medical gases - 44612100 - Gas cylinders ## Release History - 22 Dec 2022 at 08:49 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036297-2022 ## Notice URLs - http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/ - https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=127701 - https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA0221 ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-039390. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-039390.json.