CATS preferred providers selected

Preferred providers have been selected for new Clinical Assessment, Treatment amp; Support Services (CATS).  For Dermatology the partner is Durnford Medical Centre and for Ophthalmology Care UK.

It is expected that up to 3500 patients will use the Ophthalmology Service and 2000 patients the Dermatology Service both of which will start in January 2008 and will result in massive benefits for patients.

Jo Purcell, Heywood Middleton amp; Rochdale PCT’s Director of Strategy said: “CATS will improve the experience for patients who require specialist clinical opinion, diagnostic tests and minor treatment.” 

“Patients will have the option to take advantage of the benefits of these services as an alternative to the existing traditional outpatient arrangements.” 

“Patients will receive care closer to home with faster assessment and treatment times - a maximum of 4 weeks from referral in all cases.” 

“The new services will result in patients benefiting from co-ordinated tests, fewer appointments, less anxiety due to earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.  There will also be evening and weekend clinics which will ensure that more patients can have appointments which are convenient to them.”

“CATS will also provide excellent value for money because the PCT will only have to pay one fee for each patient episode.”

In selecting the preferred providers, the PCT conducted a rigorous tender
process in line with EU procedures.  Organisations were invited to submit bids against our requirements which were then subject to detailed scrutiny. 

Our assessment process included a comprehensive evaluation of proposals with both local patients and professionals on the team. 

The PCT’s Head of Scheduled Care, Melissa Laskey said: “The aim throughout this bidding process has been to ensure we provide the best quality services for patients.”

“CATS services are based on the principles of the right care, at the right time in the right place by suitably qualified professionals.  Introducing these services will allow local hospitals to concentrate on providing outpatient care for patients with more complex or urgent needs.”

“We will continue to offer our patients choice and this will include the option of using existing providers.”

“Reaching a decision was not easy and we recognise that this announcement will be disappointing for the unsuccessful bidders.”