Update on GP Out of Hours Service Procurement for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW) is now able to confirm receipt of the national Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel’s report regarding the outcome of the representation received for the GP Out of Hours Service procurement.

The Independent Panel’s findings confirm that NHS STW acted in full accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations, conducting a transparent, fair and proportionate procurement process in full compliance with statutory and legal requirements.

Gemma Smith, Director for Commissioning at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:

“We welcome this report and remain committed to delivering a high-quality, value-for-money out-of-hours service that meets the needs of local communities. This outcome reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved throughout this complex process.

“We thank the Panel for their thorough review and will now carefully consider the full report.”

The full report from the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel can be found here.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will now consider the full report through its formal governance processes. In accordance with PSR requirements, this will be followed by a five working day standstill period, beginning on Friday 4 July 2025 and ending at midnight on Friday 11 July 2025. A formal response will be issued following the conclusion of this period, with further information shared from Monday 14 July 2025.

As part of the final stages of the GP Out of Hours procurement process for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, NHS STW convened an Independent Panel in March 2025 to review formal representations submitted by one of the bidders.

Following this local review, the bidder chose to refer their challenge to the national Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel, which provides independent advice in relation to provider selection decisions. This referral follows the nationally established procedures outlined in the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

The Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel was given six weeks to assess the case, during which time NHS STW entered a further mandatory standstill phase while awaiting the Panel’s findings. However, due to capacity constraints, the Panels’ recommendation has been delayed for several weeks.

On Tuesday 1 July 2025, NHS STW was informed that the Panel had completed its review and recommended proceeding with contract award, as originally intended, to Medvivo.

For more information about the procurement process for the GP Out of Hours Service, please visit the NHS STW website.