VDPS Medical Assessments

The Authority requires the provision of medical assessments in relation to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS). Further information on the scheme can be found here https://www.gov.uk/vaccine-damage-payment/eligibility

The services required are for Medical Assessments of the evidence being presented by applicants making a claim under the VDPS. An ‘Assessment’ is the end-to-end process to assess causation and level of disablement against the medical evidence presented in relation to a Claimant’s health condition and/or disability.

The Supplier is required to undertake all appropriate action to complete the assessment. This may include gathering evidence from the most appropriate source, reference, expert, and/or specialist to ensure a definitive view can be provided.

The Total Contract Value (Estimated) includes the 2 x 12 month extension periods and excludes any payments to be made to claimants.

The scope and value of the contract may be directly impacted by a number of risks which may materialise during the term of the contract. These include:

1. The variable volume and complexity of claims received by the NHSBSA under the VDPS which require assessment. The volume of claims and subsequently the scope and value of the contract may be impacted as a result and may increase or decrease the estimated scope and contract value stated at the time of publishing the Tender Notice, commencing the procurement process or at Contract Award Stage.

2.Volumes can be impacted by a combination of external factors which the NHSBSA cannot fully control, eg. media coverage, addition of new diseases, and therefore vaccinations, to the Scheme.

3.Future Policy changes and/or changes to the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 may ultimately impact how the services may be are delivered by the supplier e.g. impact on claims volumes and/or requirements.

4. The completion of the Implementation Period is expected to take 6 months to 12 months. The value and scope of the number of assessments completed over the remaining term of the contract may therefore be impacted by the duration of the implementation period.

5. Impacted following another pandemic or increased roll out of vaccines where the vaccine is on VDPS.

6. Changes that come out as recommendations of the Covid Inquiry.