Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
PGCG-2135-TXWL
Liverpool Road
Chester
CH21UL
UK
E-mail: info@coch-cps.co.uk
NUTS: UKD63
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.coch-cps.co.uk/
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
National Framework Agreement for Teledermatology and Telemicrobiology Services
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85100000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The proposed framework will provide access to specialist teledermatology and telemicrobiology services to support the delivery of timely, high-quality clinical care across the health sector.
Teledermatology services enable the remote assessment, triage and diagnosis of skin conditions through the secure exchange of clinical images and virtual consultation technologies, supporting earlier clinical decision-making, improved patient access to specialist expertise and reduced waiting times.
Telemicrobiology services provide remote specialist clinical microbiology support, including the interpretation of microbiological investigations, clinical advice, infection diagnosis and management, antimicrobial stewardship, reporting support and second opinions across a range of clinically relevant specimen types.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
49 000 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Teledermatology Services
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85100000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKC
UKD
UKE
UKF
UKG
UKH
UKI
UKJ
UKK
UKL
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Teledermatology services
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Telemicrobiology Services
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85100000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKC
UKD
UKE
UKF
UKG
UKH
UKI
UKJ
UKK
UKL
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Telemicrobiology Services
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
06/10/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
The purpose of this engagement notice is to invite suppliers to participate in preliminary market engagement with a view to developing the authority's requirements and preparing tender documents.
Suppliers participating in this market consultation are not guaranteed to receive either an Invitation to Tender (if Invitations to Tender are issued), or a place on any framework agreement which may be awarded following an Invitation to Tender.
Please email info@coch-cps.co.uk to express interest in taking part in this market engagement process. We will then be in contact to arrange the next steps.
Engagement deadline: Tuesday 18th August
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
04/08/2026