Latest news:

New guidance from the Department of Health released in July:

Principles and rules for cooperation and competition

Procurement guide for commissioners of NHS-funded services

Competition policy

In response to emerging NHS policy regarding co-operation and competition (e.g. the 'Principles and rules for co-operation and competition', the 'PCT procurement guide' and the national 'Co-operation and Competition Panel', and following broad engagement and legal review, NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland has recently approved the Competition policy.

Any willing provider guidelines

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland has recently developed it's Any Willing Provider (AWP) guidelines and documentation. To find out more about the guidelines contact Procurement@lcr.nhs.uk

Competition dispute resolution process

If you are a supplier who believes that NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is in breach of one of the Department of Health principles and rules for co-operation and competition, then you can complete a dispute resolution form online.

Supply2Health

From October 2008 it became mandatory for all PCTs (where a PCT is the lead contracting authority) to use the Supply2Health portal for advertising all competitively tendered Part B Clinical Services.

Part A are generally subject to more stringent procurement rules and contracts with a total contract value of £100K or more.

On the Supply2Health website, you can register to view all opportunities for all NHS organisations.

Market development strategy and competition policy development

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland undertook extensive scenario planning in early 2008 informing the World Class Commissioning strategy. This prioritised skill in "Stimulating the Market" as one of 4 strategic levers by which the PCT will achieve its vision. For more information please read our Market development strategy and competition policy development document.