Supportive Discharge Transport Service for NHS Patients

This tender invites bids for a specialized transport service to support patient discharges from Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust and optionally The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. The service addresses a critical gap in standard patient transport by providing bespoke, time-coordinated discharge solutions for vulnerable and elderly patients with complex discharge needs. Key service requirements include: conveying patients in appropriate vehicles with trained staff; coordinating discharge timing to align with social care assessments and other time-sensitive appointments; providing brief on-arrival support to ensure patient safety (heating, food, fluids access); and accommodating ad-hoc journey stops (pharmacies, etc.) to reduce hospital stays and improve patient outcomes. This specialized approach reduces system delays, minimizes resource waste, and enhances patient experience compared to standard transport offerings. The contract period is February 1, 2027 to September 31, 2030 (3 years), with optional extension for up to 2 additional years. Suppliers should demonstrate capability in patient-centered service delivery, coordination with healthcare partners, and managing complex discharge logistics.