Ten CCGs and trusts look to improve access to remote services

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NHS bodies across north and west London are seeking to implement digital services and platforms that could improve access to mental-health support for young people and their families.

The North West London Health and Care Partnership – a collective of eight clinical commissioning groups – is leading a procurement exercise seeking to identify possible products and services that could offer new ways for children, young adults, and their family members to get help with mental-health issues.

The partnership, in conjunction with two specialist mental-health trusts, is ultimately looking to identify a tech provider with which it could sign a contract lasting up to five years – and worth a potential £500,000-plus per year.

“The partnership is seeking to improve digital and remote access to mental health support for children and young people across eight boroughs, supporting the mental health of young people and their families across north-west London,” it said. “The partnership is keen to consider suggested digital service solutions that best meet [our] objectives.”

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The eight CCGs that form the partnership represent the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. Also taking part in the procurement exercise are the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and the West London NHS Foundation Trust.

The partnership is currently seeking initial input and feedback from interested suppliers to fill out a market-engagement questionnaire and thus help inform a future contract notice.

“It is placed to facilitate early engagement with potential providers, informing the development of requirements, and… [is] seeking the views and opinions of organisations that may be interested in delivering the service,” the partnership said. “Participation in this market-engagement activity is not a mandatory requirement for participating in any potential future procurement, however the responses will inform the Partnership with regards to the level of market interest.”