Writing NHS Tenders

This news item shows once again the importance of not taking anything for granted when you submit a tender. The incumbent lost out on price, probably because they thought that the strong relationship would mean more than it actually did. The NHS purse is under intense pressure and you should give the best price you can. The NHS is not a cash cow to be milked. You have been warned!

THE taxi firm that has won the contract to ferry patients to hospitals in Liverpool put in a tender that was 'considerably cheaper' than its rivals, MHKs were told.
In the House of Keys this week, Health Minister David Anderson defended the decision to award the contract to City Kabs.

City Kabs takes over from Bridgewater Cars, which has been providing the service for some 13 years and whose drivers have built up a friendly relationship with many passengers during an often stressful situation.

Bridgewater boss Mike Jenkins has admitted he was 'very shocked' to lose the contract – and patients have also expressed their disappointment.

But Mr Anderson told the Keys he believed City Kabs had the experience, drivers and administrative support to be able to provide patients and escorts with the 'same high-calibre service previously provided by Bridgewater Cars'.

Asked by John Houghton MHK (Douglas North) what the difference in price had been between the tenders submitted by City Kabs and Bridgewater, the minister replied: 'There are areas of confidentiality, as far as the financial tendering process is concerned, and I am not in a position to give the details on the finance.

'All I can tell the honourable member is that City Kabs were considerably cheaper than Bridgewater and other firms.'

He pointed out that when the contract was awarded to Bridgewater Cars over 10 years ago, there had been similar concerns that the same level of service would not be given as that provided by E&Y previously.

'However, I was glad, and we are all glad, that Bridgewater actually delivered a service to the high specifications and care of customers that we expect. I similarly expect City Cabs to do the same,' he said.

NHS patients, escorts and visitors arriving at Liverpool John Lennon Airport – and occasionally Liverpool Pier Head, Heysham Port and Birkenhead – are met by taxi and transported to and from their hospital destination.

Last year, the service involved some 6,340 single journeys.

A date for the launch of the new service has yet been confirmed. Liverpool-based City Kabs has access to a fleet of more than 200 vehicles.

Brenda Cannell MHK (Douglas East) asked the minister whether the contract would be reviewed 'just in case it does not prove to be satisfactory'.

Mr Anderson confirmed that the contract was reviewed periodically. There had been one occasion in the past when a contract for one hospital was awarded to a different firm as the service had not been delivered to the high standard expected.

'My confidence is fully in City Kabs they will deliver the same high quality,' he added.
Read original
NHS Tenders
Tender Writing and winning themes
Assistance with writing PQQ
Short notice Bids, tenders and PQQ