North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust has published a procurement opportunity for north staffordshire combined healthcare nhs trust out of area psychiatric intensive care unit (picu) placement reference number ld/rb39 with an estimated value of an undisclosed value. The submission deadline is the date stated in the official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-10, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

This Contract Award notice is placed under the Healthcare Services Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations 2023 Regulation 8 for Direct Award Process B, where the Trust is awarding this contract having conducted spot purchasing analysis and concluded that this is the only available option. The Trust has a choice of providers and is not seeking to restrict the number of providers. The Service is for specialised Psychiatric care for a named patient. Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) are specialist wards that provide inpatient mental health care, assessment and comprehensive treatment to individuals who are experiencing the most acutely disturbed phase of a serious mental disorder. The Contract has been awarded following the Direct Award process B, at £989.00 per day for a nominal period of 4 weeks, as the exact duration is unknown. The patient would be reviewed daily, Monday-Friday and would be re-patriated where clinically appropriate. The estimated total cost is £27,692.00 from 03rd April 2026 to an unknown date. The Trust had a spot purchasing arrangement with this provider in the past, and this is a continuation of that service for a new placement, now coming directly through the Trust, whereas previously it sat under the ICB. The contract is new as the Trust is placing the contract directly, but the arrangements have been previously in place under spot purchasing via the ICB.

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust is the contracting authority. The estimated value is an undisclosed value and the deadline is the date stated in the official notice. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to healthcare providers, social care organisations, NHS suppliers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in health & nhs contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a an undisclosed value contract
• Relevant certifications: CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications
• Capacity to mobilise within North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust’s required timeframe

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032678-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before the date stated in the official notice: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032678-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust or the UK government.