Tender opportunity: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust seeks stoma and continence prescription providers

BHTA members involved in stoma care, continence care, catheter products, and prescription support services are encouraged to review a new framework opportunity from Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The framework is for centralised advice and repeat prescription hub services for patients with a stoma or long-term catheter. It also includes pre- and/or post-operative care support for stoma patients, where required by participating authorities.

Tender overview

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking providers to join a national framework agreement for prescription hub services covering stoma and/or catheter support. The framework has been established under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025.

The framework may be used by relevant authorities across England and Wales, including integrated care boards, NHS England, NHS trusts, NHS foundation trusts, local authorities in England, Welsh local health boards, county councils, and county borough councils.

Key details

• Reference: F/105/PHS/25/JH
• Total value: £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• Duration: 11 September 2026 to 10 September 2029

Scope

The framework covers the provision of a centralised prescription hub that will take responsibility for patients’ ongoing prescriptions and help address identified issues before care escalates. The service will provide advice, repeat prescriptions, urgent response support, and annual reviews for eligible patients.

The notice states that the prescription service is intended to improve access to appropriate support for patients, help identify suitable appliances and equipment, and improve quality of life. Centralising the system is also intended to support consistent prescription guidance, cost-effective supply, and quantities aligned with patients’ clinical needs.

Lots

The framework is split into five lots:

• Lot 1: Stoma Prescription Service
• Lot 2: Catheter Prescription Service
• Lot 3: Stoma and Catheter Combined Prescription Service
• Lot 4: Stoma Pre- and/or Post-Operative Care Support
• Lot 5: Combined Stoma Prescription Service and Stoma Pre- and/or Post-Operative Care Support

Tenderers may apply for one or more lots. The framework will reopen annually during its term for applications from new potential providers. Previously appointed providers are not required to reapply.

Eligibility

This tender is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, alongside other providers able to deliver stoma prescription services, catheter prescription services, combined prescription services, or pre- and/or post-operative stoma care support.

Evaluation

The evaluation weighting is quality and innovation 30 percent, value 25 percent, integration, collaboration, and service sustainability 25 percent, social value pass/fail 10 percent, and improving access, reducing health inequalities, and facilitating choice 10 percent.

The framework may be operated either with or without competition. The maximum number of suppliers is unlimited, and the maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers is 1.5 percent.

How to apply

Submit tenders electronically through the Health Family Single eCommercial System.

Tenders must be submitted by 2pm on 10 July 2026. Questions should be submitted by 5pm on 3 July 2026.

Access the full tender documentation, including specifications and terms, through the portal link above.

Enquiries: info@coch-cps.co.uk