North Lincolnshire CCG Community Cardiology Services

Following consultation and engagement with a range of clinical colleagues, NHS North Lincolnshire CCG is seeking to commission a remote access cardiology diagnostic service that can be provided from GP practices through an open procurement process. The aim of these Services are to: support primary care in the management of cardiac disease, reduce unnecessary pressures on hospital based services, rate highly for patient and health professional satisfaction and provide good value for money. NHS North Lincolnshire CCG wishes to establish a single Provider contract for the provision of Services. The proposed service will be provided remotely, via secure telephone, e-mail and/or fax. It will enable rapid access to interpretation of cardiac diagnostic tests, which have been carried out in the GP practice setting, and initial advice regarding management options and urgency. The service should not be a replacement or duplication of activity that is generally carried out as part of core GP business. It is expected that the service will be used mainly for people who present with or are suspected of having the following conditions, where there is diagnostic uncertainty and/or where access to expert interpretation is required to guide decision making and management plans or to prevent the need for patients to travel in order to access a diagnostic test. The service commencement date is 1 September 2016 for the duration of 3 years with the option to extend for a further 2 years.