Dermatology Services

Feedback from prospective providers who took part in the market engagement exercise raised a number of concerns in relation to the effectiveness of the proposed delivery model and the time available to mobilise the service. Concerns also focused on the challenges of securing a sustainable and suitably qualified workforce, as well as embedding the service within the existing primary care landscape. Additionally, the CCG has had helpful engagement from the British Association of Dermatologists seeking clarification on the service model with regards to integration of pathways across related areas such as cancer services. The CCG has reached the conclusion that it would be prudent to test the proposed model of care further in a live setting should changes be required to the service specification.

Therefore the CCG has opted to award a short term pilot contract to Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, as a lead provider, who are currently one of the incumbent providers of these services. The Trust are well placed to trial the new model, which will include increased Consultant input into primary care and further integration with the wider cancer pathway and will minimise any unnecessary disruption to system sustainability and service continuity.

Following a review of the initial 12 month period of the pilot, the CCG intends to use the experiential learning derived from this pilot to better understand the way in which the service should be structured moving forward (whether it will remain a standalone service, or form part of a wider integrated service requirement). Accordingly it is the CCG's intention to undertake a suitable form of procurement procedure after the initial 12 month period of the pilot and from that to award a longer term contract in an appropriate format to meet the needs identified, with a view to the contract commencing within 6 months of the start of the procurement.