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01 Prior Information Notice (PIN)

ENT MSK Challenge Opportunity

  • First published: 22 December 2022
  • Last modified: 22 December 2022

Contents

Summary

OCID:
ocds-kuma6s-127713
Published by:
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
Authority ID:
AA0221
Publication date:
22 December 2022
Deadline date:
-
Notice type:
01 Prior Information Notice (PIN)
Has documents:
Yes
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
Yes

Abstract

Ear surgery has been performed using an operating microscope since the 1950s, but improvements in endoscope and video technology have made Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) a viable alternative. An ear endoscope for EES allows doctors to perform complex operations on the tiny, delicate structures in the middle ear. This method is less invasive than the traditional way to perform an ear surgery, which is to make an incision behind the ear. The doctor then uses a straight endoscope to see into the ear. EES procedures last on average for 60 to 90 minutes, but can be as long as 180 minutes. These prolonged periods of holding the endoscope up, whilst performing very fine, controlled movements with the instruments within a very small, delicate organ causes significant musculoskeletal stress. It is possible that these conditions, which are particular to EES, are related to the higher levels of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in otological surgeons. Reducing the musculoskeletal load through better work practices could reduce the time taken for surgery, reduce staff levels of MSDs and associated sickness, thereby improving workflow. They may also increase the number of operations possible and reduce the time under anaesthesia for patients. Challenge details We are looking to identify, develop and demonstrate near market ready innovative solutions that could: Improve ergonomics for surgeons ensuring equality and benefits for all; Improve ergonomics for both right and left handed surgeons, when performing surgery; Reduce time spent holding an unsupported endoscope during EES; Reduce surgery times; Reduce MSDs in ENT surgeons; Reduce sickness of ENT surgeons; Improve self-reported discomfort levels of ENT surgeons after performing EES; Meet infection prevention control standards; and Provide a cost effective and sustainable solution. Out of Scope Replacement of current endoscope equipment or theatre beds; Single use solutions. We need ideas that can be rapidly developed and tested with potential to be scaled and used across the UK over the coming months CPV: 33692000, 33692000.

Full notice text

Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

Procurement Services, Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board, Woodlands House, 2nd Floor, Maes-Y-Coed Road

Cardiff

CF14 4HH

UK

Contact person: Sarah Yellen

Telephone: +44 02921508273

E-mail: sarah.yellen@wales.nhs.uk

NUTS: UK

Internet address(es)

Main address: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/

Address of the buyer profile: https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA0221

I.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

I.5) Main activity

Health

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

ENT MSK Challenge Opportunity

Reference number: SP18

II.1.2) Main CPV code

33692000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

II.1.4) Short description

Ear surgery has been performed using an operating microscope since the 1950s, but improvements in endoscope and video technology have made Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) a viable alternative. An ear endoscope for EES allows doctors to perform complex operations on the tiny, delicate structures in the middle ear. This method is less invasive than the traditional way to perform an ear surgery, which is to make an incision behind the ear. The doctor then uses a straight endoscope to see into the ear.

EES procedures last on average for 60 to 90 minutes, but can be as long as 180 minutes. These prolonged periods of holding the endoscope up, whilst performing very fine, controlled movements with the instruments within a very small, delicate organ causes significant musculoskeletal stress. It is possible that these conditions, which are particular to EES, are related to the higher levels of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in otological surgeons.

Reducing the musculoskeletal load through better work practices could reduce the time taken for surgery, reduce staff levels of MSDs and associated sickness, thereby improving workflow. They may also increase the number of operations possible and reduce the time under anaesthesia for patients.

Challenge details

We are looking to identify, develop and demonstrate near market ready innovative solutions that could:

Improve ergonomics for surgeons ensuring equality and benefits for all;

Improve ergonomics for both right and left handed surgeons, when performing surgery;

Reduce time spent holding an unsupported endoscope during EES;

Reduce surgery times;

Reduce MSDs in ENT surgeons;

Reduce sickness of ENT surgeons;

Improve self-reported discomfort levels of ENT surgeons after performing EES;

Meet infection prevention control standards; and

Provide a cost effective and sustainable solution.

Out of Scope

Replacement of current endoscope equipment or theatre beds;

Single use solutions.

We need ideas that can be rapidly developed and tested with potential to be scaled and used across the UK over the coming months

II.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 100 000.00  GBP

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

II.2) Description

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

33692000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKL

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Challenge phases structure

Phase 1: Development and testing – We are looking to fund up to 5 projects up to a value of 20,000 inclusive of VAT each for Phase 1.

Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge.

The total funding available for the competition can change. The funders have the right to:

adjust the provisional funding allocation; and

apply a ‘portfolio’ approach.

Briefing Event

A briefing event was held on 30 November 2022 and the recording of the event can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/W9MAdAazSeE

II.2.14) Additional information

Further information

For more information on this competition, visit: Simply Do

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk

II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

01/02/2023

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information

Briefing Event

A briefing event was held on 30 November 2022 and the recording of the event can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/W9MAdAazSeE

Further information

For more information on this competition, visit: Simply Do

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=127713.

(WA Ref:127713)

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

22/12/2022

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
33692000 Medical solutions Various medicinal products

Delivery locations

ID Description
1017 Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot
1022 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
1015 Central Valleys (Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf)
1013 Conwy and Denbighshire
1020 East Wales
1023 Flintshire and Wrexham
1016 Gwent Valleys (Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly)
1012 Gwynedd
1011 Isle of Anglesey
1021 Monmouthshire and Newport
1024 Powys
1014 South West Wales (Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion)
1018 Swansea
1000 WALES
1010 West Wales and The Valleys

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
sarah.yellen@wales.nhs.uk
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

Additional Documents

The following additional documents have been attached to this notice. To obtain these documents please select the individual file names below.

Current documents

docx
docx346.60 KB
This file may not be accessible.
docx
docx346.68 KB
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Replaced documents

There are no previous versions of these documents.


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