Fresh negotiations launched over MSK services

The move was taken during the Clinical Commissioning Executive on Tuesday (June 23) but formerly announced this morning (June 30).

The negotiation process comes months after the withdrawal of the preferred bidder, Bupa CSH, for the five-year £235million contract.

At the time, the move had prompted the CCG to stop the procurement process, which to date has cost around £350,000.

A spokeswoman today said the CCG would now enter a period of ‘close and intensive’ working with Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to agree the detailed provision of services.

The negotiations would also see the health groups agreeing a ‘sustainable timetable’ to introduce improvements for patients, building on discussions with providers and the public over the preferred template for the service.

The spokeswoman added that as negotiations took place, the CCG would ‘continue to keep the public and local stakeholders informed’ of progress.

Marianne Griffiths, chief executive of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “I’m delighted that the CCG has chosen Western Sussex Hospitals to be the prime provider of MSK services in our area.

“Our staff have consistently delivered excellent care to MSK patients over many years and have produced some really innovative and ambitious plans to improve this service for all its users, whether in hospital or in the community.

“We now look forward to working in collaboration with the CCG to build the outstanding, joined-up service we all want to see.”

For an interview with clinical chief Katie Armstrong about the whole procurement process, click here.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.