---
title: "NHS England South East - Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NHS ENGLAND"
published: "2024-10-22"
---

# NHS England South East - Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East

Buyer: NHS ENGLAND  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e.json)

## Summary

NHS England South East is looking to commission Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, divided into five lots: Kent and Medway, Surrey Heartlands, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (IOW), Berkshire and Frimley, and Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The procurement is at the tender update stage, with contracts having been awarded as of 22nd October 2024. The services are planned to commence from 1st April 2025, for an initial term of five years with an option to extend for up to three years. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes, registered with a GP, as well as individuals in prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The total awarded contract value for the initial five-year term is £60,397,774, distributed across the five lots.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in health services, particularly those with capabilities in digital screening, frequent surveillance, and slit lamp bio-microscopy. With high contract values and critical service requirements focused on improving access, reducing inequalities, and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care, businesses that are well-versed in innovative healthcare solutions and collaborative service integration will be well-positioned to compete. Providers can bid for one or all of the lots, providing flexibility to tailor bids according to their strengths and resources.

## Notice

NHS England South East (NHSE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which had the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. The procurement was divided into 5 lots within the South East as follows: Lot 1: Kent and Medway (ICB footprint) Lot 2: Surrey Heartlands (ICB footprint) Lot 3: Hampshire and IOW (ICB footprint) Lot 4: Berkshire (Local Authority) and Frimley (ICB footprint) Lot 5: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (Local Authority footprint) Providers were able to bid for one or all Lots. Contracts are for a term of 5 years, with the option to extend for up to a further 3 years. Services are planned to commence from 1st April 2025. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This should be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * focuses on improving uptake, reducing inequalities, and improving outcomes * is accessible across all service elements * is engaging, and integrated, working effectively with service users and stakeholders to ensure seamless and high-quality care * is safe, effective, and high quality, with robust processes along the pathway * embed a culture of quality, improvement, and learning * is well-led, managed, and staffed There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are to be managed on 12- or 24-month intervals * digital surveillance where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required * slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) will be introduced into the programme across England in line with national guidance. The total contract values for the 5 year initial term were advertised as follows: Lot 1: Kent and Medway - PS17,755,303 Lot 2: Surrey Heartlands - PS8,084,825 Lot 3: Hampshire and IOW - PS16,695,800 Lot 4: Berkshire and Frimley - PS11,311,121 Lot 5: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire - PS9,927,015 This notice serves as an intention to award a contract under the competitive process of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.

### Lot Information

Kent and Medway

NHS England South East (NHSE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which have the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. Lot 1 covers Kent and Medway and has an eligible population of around 124,000 people. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * Identifies the eligible population and ensured effective delivery with maximum coverage * Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured * Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment, and improved outcomes * Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participated in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD), and quality assurance (QA) schemes * Has audit embedded in the service * Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway was smooth and efficient. There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * Routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are managed on 12- or 24-month intervals for routine diabetic eye screening. * Digital surveillance, where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required. * Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography are inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts). The Contract is planned to commence on 1st April 2025, for an initial term of 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 3 years.

Options: The Contract can be extended for up to a further 3 years.

Surrey Heartlands

NHS England South East (NHSE SE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which have the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. Lot 2 covers Surrey Heartlands and has an eligible population of around 56,000 people. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * Identifies the eligible population and ensured effective delivery with maximum coverage * Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured * Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment, and improved outcomes * Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participated in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD), and quality assurance (QA) schemes * Has audit embedded in the service * Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway was smooth and efficient. There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * Routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are managed on 12- or 24-month intervals for routine diabetic eye screening. * Digital surveillance, where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required. * Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography are inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts). The Contract is planned to commence on 1st April 2025, for an initial term of 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 3 years.

Options: The Contract can be extended for up to a further 3 years.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight

NHS England South East (NHSE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which have the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. Lot 3 covers the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB area and has an eligible population of around 117,000 people. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * Identifies the eligible population and ensured effective delivery with maximum coverage * Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured * Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment, and improved outcomes * Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participated in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD), and quality assurance (QA) schemes * Has audit embedded in the service * Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway was smooth and efficient. There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * Routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are managed on 12- or 24-month intervals for routine diabetic eye screening. * Digital surveillance, where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required. * Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography are inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts). The Contract is planned to commence on 1st April 2025, for an initial term of 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 3 years.

Options: The Contract can be extended for up to a further 3 years.

Berkshire & Frimley

NHS England South East (NHSE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which have the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. Lot 4 covers all of Berkshire and the Frimley ICB area and has an eligible population of around 79,000. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * Identifies the eligible population and ensured effective delivery with maximum coverage * Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured * Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment, and improved outcomes * Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participated in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD), and quality assurance (QA) schemes * Has audit embedded in the service * Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway was smooth and efficient. There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * Routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are managed on 12- or 24-month intervals for routine diabetic eye screening. * Digital surveillance, where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required. * Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography are inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts). The Contract is planned to commence on 1st April 2025, for an initial term of 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 3 years.

Options: The Contract can be extended for up to a further 3 years.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

NHS England South East (NHSE) sought to commission a Provider(s) which have the capability and capacity to deliver Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) across the South East region, in line with the specified requirements. Lot 5 covers the whole of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and has an eligible population of around 69,000 people. The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with a GP, as well as individuals within prisons, secure units, and the armed forces. The aim of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that: * Identifies the eligible population and ensured effective delivery with maximum coverage * Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured * Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment, and improved outcomes * Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent, and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participated in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD), and quality assurance (QA) schemes * Has audit embedded in the service * Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway was smooth and efficient. There are three key elements of service delivery, namely: * Routine digital screening - from 2025 and 2026, all eligible patients are managed on 12- or 24-month intervals for routine diabetic eye screening. * Digital surveillance, where more frequent screening of those individuals who may be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but have not reached the threshold to be referred into the Hospital Eye Services (HES), as required. * Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography are inappropriate (e.g., those having cataracts). The Contract is planned to commence on 1st April 2025, for an initial term of 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 3 years.

Options: The contract can be extended for up to a further 3 years.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034056-2024 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Planning, Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Oct 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 5 Jun 2024 |
| Future notice date | 31 Mar 2024 |
| Award date | 22 Sep 2024 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £63,774,064 |
| Lots value | £63,774,064 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £60,397,774 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Cancelled |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NHS ENGLAND |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South East London |
| Postcode | SE1 8UG |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East |
| ITL 3 | TLI45 Lambeth |
| Local authority | Lambeth |
| Electoral ward | Waterloo & South Bank |
| Westminster constituency | Vauxhall and Camberwell Green |
| Delivery location | TLJ South East (England), TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex, TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight, TLJ4 Kent |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | INHEALTH INTELLIGENCE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85100000 - Health services

## Release History

- 22 Oct 2024 at 08:27 - TenderUpdate - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034056-2024
- 8 Oct 2024 at 13:20 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032257-2024
- 15 Apr 2024 at 09:09 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012101-2024
- 23 Jan 2024 at 08:31 - TenderUpdate - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002164-2024
- 15 Jan 2024 at 16:42 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001342-2024

## Notice URLs

- https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
- https://www.england.nhs.uk
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/

## 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-042d4e. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042d4e.json.