Most Suitable Provider: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages

2026-11-03

This is a notice of intention to make an award in respect of the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages (Lot 1: North West and Lot 2: North East and Yorkshire). For the avoidance of doubt, this is an intention to award notice. A notice of the confirmation of the award of each contract will be issued once they are signed.<br/><br/>The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).<br/>https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf<br/><br/>The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.<br/><br/>The above aim will be achieved by:<br/>(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism).<br/>(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT<br/>treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.<br/>(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate.<br/>(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.<br/>(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.<br/>(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required.<br/>(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate.<br/>(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service.<br/>(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.<br/><br/>Decompression Illness<br/>Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.<br/><br/>Gas embolism<br/>Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year. <br/><br/>The Commissioner intends to award contracts following the Most Suitable Process to 2 providers which are existing providers of this service. <br/><br/>The approximate lifetime value of the contract for both Lots is £13,887,945.<br/><br/>The services will start on 1st April 2026 and the initial period will run until 30th September 3030 with an option to extend for up to a further 1+1 years ( full contract term 6.5 years).

United Kingdom (UK)

2026-04-02