Homecare Medicines Services
Introduction
The Homecare Medicines Services Framework, managed by the East of England NHS, is a key procurement tool designed to facilitate the effective management of homecare medicines services across the UK. Running until 30 November 2025, this framework categorizes services into six distinct lots, each catering to different technical levels and special needs in homecare medicines. It aims to uphold national quality standards while offering flexibility for publicly funded organisations to address both current and future homecare medicine needs.
Context & Use Case
Homecare medicines services are essential for delivering medicines safely and effectively to patients in their own homes. This framework serves as a critical resource for contracting authorities, including NHS trusts and other public sector bodies, enabling them to procure these services efficiently. The framework is especially beneficial for its structured approach, which simplifies the procurement process, ensuring compliance with national standards and facilitating access to a wide range of homecare medicines services. By using this framework, organisations can ensure they are providing high-quality care that meets the specific needs of patients outside traditional healthcare settings.
Scope of Services
The framework is divided into six distinct lots, each representing a specific area of homecare medicines services: 1. Low Tech Homecare Medicines Service: This covers basic homecare services that generally involve oral and other non-complex medicines. 2. Mid Tech Homecare Medicines Service: This category includes services for medicines that require a moderate level of technical support. 3. Homecare Medicines Services for Antibiotic Products: Specifically for the provision of antibiotic medicines, ensuring correct administration and management. 4. High Tech Homecare Medicines Service: This involves services for complex medicines and treatments requiring significant technical input. 5. Homecare Medicines for Injectable Chemotherapy: This lot focuses on the administration and management of chemotherapy treatments in a home setting. 6. Hub and Spoke Controlled Pick-up Model: This innovative model allows for the controlled distribution and pick-up of medicines, enhancing service delivery efficiency.
Who Can Apply
The framework is open to suppliers capable of delivering a range of homecare medicines services. Suitable suppliers are those with the capacity to provide secure and efficient delivery and administration of medicines at varying levels of technical complexity. The framework currently includes fifteen approved suppliers, offering organisations a choice to select based on their specific requirements. Given its structure as a framework agreement rather than a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), the application process is fixed, and suppliers can apply at designated intervals.
Buyer Benefits
Public sector buyers benefit from the Homecare Medicines Services Framework in several ways. It provides a compliant route to market, ensuring that procurement adheres to national standards and regulations. The framework facilitates a quicker procurement process by pre-approving suppliers, thus reducing the time spent on supplier vetting and assessment. Additionally, the framework supports competitive procurement through the option of holding further competitions, allowing buyers to find the most suitable suppliers for their needs. The flexibility of choosing from multiple lots enables organisations to tailor their procurement strategy to their specific operational needs and patient care priorities.
Lots
Lot 1: Low Tech Homecare Medicines Service This lot covers services related to the provision of low technology homecare medicines. Lot 2: Mid Tech Homecare Medicines Service This lot covers services related to the provision of mid technology homecare medicines. Lot 3: Homecare Medicines Services for Antibiotic Products This lot covers services specifically for homecare medicines involving antibiotic products. Lot 4: High Tech Homecare Medicines Service This lot covers services related to the provision of high technology homecare medicines. Lot 5: Homecare Medicines for Injectable Chemotherapy This lot covers services for homecare medicines involving injectable chemotherapy treatments. Lot 6: Hub and Spoke Controlled Pick-up Model This lot covers a hub and spoke model for controlled pick-up of homecare medicines.
Next Steps
Suppliers interested in participating in the Homecare Medicines Services Framework should review the detailed requirements and specifications for each lot to ensure they meet the necessary criteria. It is advisable for interested parties to contact the framework owner, the East of England NHS, for more information on application processes and timelines.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable supports suppliers by providing comprehensive insights into public sector frameworks such as the Homecare Medicines Services Framework. We help suppliers discover relevant opportunities, prepare effectively for applications, and maintain visibility of procurement pipelines. Our services are designed to enhance understanding and readiness, ensuring suppliers can make informed decisions and optimise their engagement with public sector procurement processes.