REC works with NHS PASA to ensure tender timescales are fair

NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) is currently engaged in assessing agencies for the provision of a national tender for locum doctors. Tender bids for those agencies still in the process were due to have been submitted by 1 March. REC met with PASA on 23 February to discuss issues of interpretation, some of which have yet to be clarified. As a consequence PASA has agreed to extend the deadline for submission of the tender by one week to enable agencies to digest new information and make their bids accordingly.

Although REC remains to be convinced that national tenders are the best way forward for the purchasing of temporary healthcare staff REC is committed to getting the tendering process in the best possible shape for its members to bid for business.

Commenting on the extension of the deadline Marcus Brindle, Director of NHS PASA said, íWe are working hard to award framework agreements for locum doctors that are fair, sustainable, ensure high quality standards and provide best value for the NHS. We are very pleased to be consulting closely with REC to understand and alleviate the staffing agencies concerns.í

Marcia Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive of REC said, í We have a constructive relationship with PASA and are delighted that they have listened to industry concerns regarding the practical interpretation of this tender. Agencies have to submit detailed information and PASA has listened to our arguments and realise that this cannot be done effectively within existing timeframes. We are committed to working with PASA to overcome any other issues in the tendering process that may affect agencies.íí