SKC17011 - Community Audiology Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited NHS South Kent Coast CCG - 1st February 2018 to 31 st January 2019
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SKC17011 – Community Audiology Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited st st 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019 NHS South Kent Coast CCG
NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
NHS Standard Contract 2017/18 and
2018/19
Particulars (Shorter Form)
Updated January 2018
Contract title/ref: SKC17011
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
2NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
NHS Standard Contract
2017/18 and 2018/19
Particulars (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
First published: November 2016
Republished: January 2018
Prepared by: NHS Standard Contract Team
nhscb.contractshelp@nhs.net
Publications Gateway Reference: 07407
Document Classification: Official
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
3NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SKC17011
Contract Reference
1st February 2018
DATE OF CONTRACT
1st February 2018
SERVICE COMMENCEMENT DATE
CONTRACT TERM 1 year commencing
1st February 2018
(or as extended in accordance with
Schedule 1C)
COMMISSIONERS NHS South Kent Coast CCG
(ODS 10A)
CO-ORDINATING Commissioner NHS South Kent Coast CCG
(ODS 10A)
PROVIDER Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
La Villiaze
St Andrews
Guernsey
GY6 8YP
Company number: 35965
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
4NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
CONTENTS
PARTICULARS
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 – SERVICE COMMENCEMENT AND CONTRACT TERM
(Schedule 1B Intentionally Omitted)
A. Conditions Precedent
C. Extension of Contract Term
SCHEDULE 2 – THE SERVICES (Schedule 2C, 2E, 2F, 2H, 2I, 2L
Intentionally Omitted)
A. Service Specifications
B. Indicative Activity Plan
D. Essential Services
G. Other Local Agreements, Policies and Procedures
J. Transfer of and Discharge from Care Protocols
K. Safeguarding Policies and Mental Capacity Act Policies
SCHEDULE 3 – PAYMENT (Schedule 3D, 3E, 3G Intentionally Omitted)
A. Local Prices
B. Local Variations
C. Local Modifications
F. Expected Annual Contract Values
SCHEDULE 4 – QUALITY REQUIREMENTS (Schedules 4B, 4E – 4G
Intentionally Omitted)
A. Operational Standards and National Quality Requirements
C. Local Quality Requirements
D. Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN)
SCHEDULE 5 – INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
SCHEDULE 6 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS (Schedules 6B, 6D, 6E Intentionally
Omitted)
A. Reporting Requirements
C. Incidents Requiring Reporting Procedure
SCHEDULE 7 – PENSIONS
SCHEDULE 8 – TUPE
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
5NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SERVICE CONDITIONS
(Service Conditions 7, 9, 14, 18-20, 22, 26-27, 31 intentionally omitted)
SC1 Compliance with the Law and the NHS Constitution
SC2 Regulatory Requirements
SC3 Service Standards
SC4 Co-operation
SC5 Commissioner Requested Services/Essential Services
SC6 Choice, Referrals and Booking
SC8 Making Every Contact Count and Self Care
SC10 Personalised Care Planning and Shared Decision Making
SC11 Transfer of and Discharge from Care
SC12 Communicating With and Involving Service Users, Public and Staff
SC13 Equity of Access, Equality and Non-Discrimination
SC15 Urgent Access to Mental Health Care
SC16 Complaints
SC17 Services Environment and Equipment
SC21 Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections
SC23 Service User Health Records
SC24 NHS Counter-Fraud and Security Management
SC25 Procedures and Protocols
SC28 Information Requirements
SC29 Managing Activity and Referrals
SC30 Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response
SC32 Safeguarding and Mental Capacity
SC33 Incidents Requiring Reporting
SC34 Care of Dying People
SC35 Duty of Candour
SC36 Payment Terms
SC37 Local Quality Requirements and Quality Incentive Schemes
SC38 Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN)
GENERAL CONDITIONS
(General Conditions 6-7, 34-35 intentionally omitted)
GC1 Definitions and Interpretation
GC2 Effective Date and Duration
GC3 Service Commencement
GC4 Transition Period
GC5 Staff
GC8 Review
GC9 Contract Management
GC10 Co-ordinating Commissioner and Representatives
GC11 Liability and Indemnity
GC12 Assignment and Sub-Contracting
GC13 Variations
GC14 Dispute Resolution
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
6NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
GC15 Governance, Transaction Records and Audit
GC16 Suspension
GC17 Termination
GC18 Consequence of Expiry or Termination
GC19 Provisions Surviving Termination
GC20 Confidential Information of the Parties
GC21 Patient Confidentiality, Data Protection, Freedom of Information and
Transparency
GC22 Intellectual Property
GC23 NHS Identity, Marketing and Promotion
GC24 Change in Control
GC25 Warranties
GC26 Prohibited Acts
GC27 Conflicts of Interest and Transparency on Gifts and Hospitality
GC28 Force Majeure
GC29 Third Party Rights
GC30 Entire Contract
GC31 Severability
GC32 Waiver
GC33 Remedies
GC36 Notices
GC37 Costs and Expenses
GC38 Counterparts
GC39 Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Definitions and Interpretation
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
7NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
CONTRACT
This Contract records the agreement between the Commissioners and the Provider and
comprises
1. the Particulars;
2. the Service Conditions (Shorter Form);
3. the General Conditions (Shorter Form),
as completed and agreed by the Parties and as varied from time to time in accordance with
GC13 (Variations).
IN WITNESS OF WHICH the Parties have signed this Contract on the date(s) shown
below
SIGNED by ……………………………………………………….
Signature
for Accountable Officer
and on behalf of
NHS South Kent Coast Clinical
Commissioning Group
……………………………………………………….
Date
SIGNED by ……………………………………………………….
Signature
Specsavers SHGL Board Member
…………………………………………
for and on behalf of
Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
……………………………………………………….
Date
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
8NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SERVICE COMMENCEMENT
AND CONTRACT TERM
st
Effective Date 1 February 2018
st
Expected Service Commencement Date 1 February 2018
st
Longstop Date 1 February 2018
st
Service Commencement Date 1 February 2018
Contract Term 1 year commencing
st
1 February 2018
Option to extend Contract Term NO
Notice Period (for termination under 3 months
GC17.2)
SERVICES
Service Categories Indicate all that apply
Continuing Healthcare Services (CHC)
Community Services (CS) X
Diagnostic, Screening and/or Pathology
Services (D)
End of Life Care Services (ELC)
Mental Health and Learning Disability
Services (MH)
Patient Transport Services (PT)
Service Requirements
Essential Services (NHS Trusts only) NO
PAYMENT
National Prices Apply to some or all NO
Services (including where subject to
Local Modification or Local Variation)
Local Prices Apply to some or all Services YES
Expected Annual Contract Value Agreed NO
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
9NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
GOVERNANCE AND
REGULATORY
Provider’s Nominated Individual
Provider’s Information Governance Lead
Provider’s Caldicott Guardian
Tel:
Provider’s Senior Information Risk Owner
Provider’s Accountable Emergency
Officer
Provider’s Safeguarding Lead
Provider’s Child Sexual Abuse and
Exploitation Lead
Provider’s Mental Capacity and
Deprivation of Liberty Lead
Provider’s Freedom To Speak Up
Guardian(s)
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Addresses for service of Notices Co-ordinating Commissioner:
NHS South Kent Kent CCG
Address:
Honeywood Close
Whitfield
Dover
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Email:
southkentcoast.ccg@nhs.net
Provider:
Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
Address:
Cirrus House
Experian Way
Nottingham
NG12 1EP
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
10NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Email:
Commissioner Representative(s)
Address:
Honeywood Close
Whitfield
Dover
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Email:
southkentcoast.ccg@nhs.net
Tel:
03000 424700
Provider Representative
Address:
Specsavers
Cirrus House
Experian Way
Nottingham
NG12 1EP
Email:
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
11NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SCHEDULE 1 – SERVICE COMMENCEMENT
AND CONTRACT TERM
A. Conditions Precedent
The Provider must provide the Co-ordinating Commissioner with the following documents and
complete the following actions:
1. Evidence of appropriate Indemnity Arrangements
C. Extension of Contract Term
NOT USED
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
12NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SCHEDULE 2 – THE SERVICES
A. Service Specifications
Community Audiology – Revised Specification
Background:
The community audiology service is designed to provide hearing aid provision for patients
aged 18 or over that present to their GP when they experience hearing loss that affects their
daily life to the extent that might warrant a GP referral for an audiology assessment for the
potential issue of an NHS funded hearing aid.
The 2018 community audiology service specification puts the emphasis on the 3 year service
life of the hearing aid as a medical device as well as ensuring an effective and funded patient
pathway.
Key Principles:
Local tariff structure
Payment Structure – cost per case with the pathway paid for at each stage completed.
Patient attendance at the Provider must only be as a result of GP referral or patient self-
direction and never as the result of reminders or canvassing by the Provider. The only
exception to this is where a patient is accepted for the supply of a new or replacement
hearing aid and they necessarily have to attend for audiogram and fitting appointments only.
First follow-up attendances must only be as the result of patient self-direction and is only
payable where the patient attends within 12 weeks of hearing aid fitting.
Referrals can only be accepted from GP Practices who are members of NHS South Kent
Coast Clinical Commissioning Group.
Locations of service can only be within the NHS South Kent Coast CCG geographical area.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
13NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Community Audio logy — Service Illustration (South Kent Coast CCG)
er ice otes ain atient ath ay ariff otes
ro iders ill be sub ect to periodic audit
of their patient records 1. eferral fro the
patient’s ariffs listed in
chedule
pecific circu stances that lead to
altered routes through this ser ice
illustration are dealt ith in the te t of 2. o contra-
the contract indications and other
ise eligible
Maintenance and
es o audiogram tari
com ination
here a de ice requires
3. udiology a repair or soft are
hearing aid ad ust ent that then
assess ent and requires a repeat
audiogra audiogra i e if the last
is ee s old he
o issioner ill pay the
tariff payable at step 6.
and at step 3.
4. earing aid 2a. ischarged epairs and or soft are
de ice fitting and letter to ad ust ents that do not
require a repeat audio
gra ust be charged as
aintenance only
ariffs listed in
chedule
year ser ice
life of de ice s 5. follo up
patient requested
6. aintenance
repairs and or battery
change appoint ents
o er the ser ice life
of the de ice s
7. hree years after
4. abo e is the
nor al end of the
de ice s ser ice life
he patient ust
self-refer to the
ro ider to obtain an
funded
replace ent
The Provider will supply a community audiology service that competently assess a
patient’s hearing capability and the effect of any hearing loss on a patient’s quality of
life and, in accordance with the Kent and Medway Referral and Treatment Criteria in
force at the time, issue NHS funded hearing aids only where appropriate.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
14NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
The Provider will assess hearing aid suitability using a recognised validated
assessment tool and the use of audiological measurement techniques that comply
with the latest techniques and guidance from the recognised professional bodies for
audiologists in the United Kingdom.
If a patient is assessed as suitable for the issue of NHS funded hearing aids the
Provider will devise and record in the patient notes an individual management plan
related to the outcomes the patient is seeking by having a hearing aid fitted and carry
out the moulding and fitting procedures together with any follow up protocol(s) in
accordance with the latest techniques and guidance from the recognised professional
bodies for audiologists in the United Kingdom.
Hearing aid devices issued have a three year service life. The patient will not be
eligible for a replacement hearing aid until three years have elapsed from the date of
issue. The Provider must inform the service user of the date their hearing aid will be
due for replacement at the time of the fitting appointment.
The Provider will provide one face to face follow up appointment for the service user
post hearing aid device fitting at a clinically reasonable time, but no longer than 12
weeks, to determine whether the service users hearing aid outcome needs are being
met and to rectify if not. If the single follow up appointment is carried out beyond the
12 weeks point from hearing aid issue this must be reported as an exception for
consideration by the Commissioner.
The Provider will carry out hearing aid aftercare for which the Commissioner will pay
the tariff listed at Schedule 3A.
Pre-referral screening of patients
Before patients can be considered for referral they must attend their GP surgery as a self-
directed action and not as the result of any previous intervention by a Provider.
Providers are expressly prohibited from giving patients forms or other kinds of documents
whether paper or electronic or in any other way delineated or communicated including
telephoning a surgery that a es the suggestion to the patient’s that they need a
referral to the Provider or any other Provider for an NHS funded hearing aid.
The practice of carrying out any kind of hearing assessment for the purposes of issuing NHS
funded hearing aids where the patient has not been referred to the Provider by their GP is
prohibited under this contract and is considered a termination event.
The Commissioner, however, recognises that some patients may see a Provider with the
intention of having a self-funded hearing aid and then decide for whatever reason to request
that they be assessed for the issue of an NHS funded hearing aid. In this instance the patient
must still present to their GP and without any kind of supporting documentation or
communication from the Provider.
Lost hearing aids
The Commissioner expects that the patient takes responsibility for the hearing aid device that
is issued to them, for the whole duration of the 3 year service life of the device. If a patient
loses their hearing aid for whatever reason or damages it whether accidental or not during the
3 year service life of the device, then the patient must pay the replacement cost of the aid at
the cost price to the Provider. The Provider is responsible for the recovery of this money from
the patient. The Commissioner will however pay the Provider for the cost of a new audiogram
and the device and fitting appointment minus the cost of the replacement device(s).
Subsequent hearing aid aftercare will be paid for in the circumstances set out in this contract
as if the first hearing aid issued had not been lost or damaged.
The Commissioner will only pay for lost or damaged hearing aids where the patient has a
diagnosis of dementia confirmed by their GP or where they are subject to a section under the
Mental Health Act where they would ordinarily be within the criteria for service under this
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
15NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
contract. Where the Provider is uncertain about whether to charge a patient for the
replacement cost of a hearing aid, the Commissioner should be called or written to for
guidance.
Faulty hearing aids
Where a patient attends the ro ider’s pre ises to report their hearing aid is faulty the
Commissioner will pay the hearing aid aftercare tariff to enable a functional test by the
Provider to be carried out. If the hearing aid is found to be faulty and needs replacing then if
the patient has had an audiogram more than 8 weeks previously the Commissioner will pay
the hearing aid assessment tariff for a new audiogram and a new single device to be fitted.
The Provider must report, as an exception, instances of faulty hearing aids as part of contract
monitoring so that the Commissioner can understand over the longer term the level of faulty
devices being supplied from the factory.
After the 3 year service life of the device has ended
The Provider must not pro-actively communicate to the patient that their hearing aid service
life is at an end. If patients would like their hearing aid to be exchanged for a new one after
expiry of the 3 year service life then they must do so by self-direction to return to the Provider
and not by being reminded by the Provider.
For the avoidance of doubt, an existing patient of the Provider does not need a new GP
referral for a hearing aid at the end of the three year service life of the hearing aid device and
can present to the Provider. The Commissioner will pay for a new audiology
assessment/audiogram at this point as if the patient was newly referred.
Unilateral to bilateral conversion
Where a patient has had a unilateral pathway fitting of a hearing aid device and that device is
still within its 3 year service life, if it becomes necessary to assess the patient for a second, or
bilateral fitting of hearing aid devices, the Provider will report such individual occurrences as
an exception to be discussed at contract performance review.
In addition the occurrence of the conversion from a unilateral to a bilateral fitting must be
reported to the service users GP.
Definitions associated with the tariff charging points within the patient pathway:
Audiology hearing aid assessment and audiogram only – The Commissioner will pay this
tariff where a patient has been referred by their GP for assessment and audiogram for the
purposes of establishing whether or not the patient is clinically suitable for the issue of an
NHS funded hearing aid.
When assessing the audiology needs of a patient, the Provider will use a validated
assessment tool to determine if the threshold for the issue of a NHS funded hearing aid has
been reached he ro ider ill eep these assess ents as part of patients’ edical records
and will make them available for inspection for audit by the Commissioner if requested.
The Commissioner will not pay for an audiogram that is repeated within 8 weeks of a previous
one.
The assessment and audiogram tariff is payable upon the results being communicated to the
referring GP.
Cost for hearing aid assessment, fitting of one (unilateral) or two (bilateral) devices,
cost of the device(s) and one follow up appointment -
The service life of a hearing aid device is 3 years.
The Provider should inform the patient that the service life of their hearing aid device is 3
years and that the patient can self-refer back to the Provider for a replacement only at the
three year point from the date of issue unless the device becomes faulty.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
16NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Hearing aid aftercare – The Commissioner will pay for a hearing aid aftercare appointment
(this appointment can be as a walk-in here the patient attends at the ro ider’s pre ises
and has their batteries changed and cleaning and replacement of tubes. Hearing aid aftercare
includes where a patient has to have the software on their hearing aid adjusted or some other
rectification work without the need for a new audiogram.
Where the patient needs their hearing aid adjusted or repaired to the extent that a new
audiogram is clinically indicated and more than 8 weeks has elapsed since the last
audiogram, then the Commissioner will pay the audiology hearing aid assessment tariff to
enable this to be carried out.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commissioner will only pay both tariffs (separate hearing aid
aftercare and hearing aid assess ent tariffs together here the patient’s hearing aid also
requires battery change and tube cleaning or changing. The practice of sending the patient
away for a second appointment if an audiogram is indicated through device adjustment or
rectification when the patient has initially attended for battery change and or tube
cleaning/changing is to be avoided if at all possible.
The Provider will not pre-schedule hearing aid aftercare except where the service user has
contacted the Provider to make an appointment to be seen for the purposes of hearing aid
battery replacement, device maintenance (for example tubes and other device consumables),
or suspected faulty device.
Where service users attend for hearing aid aftercare more than three times in one year, these
will be reported as an exception to be discussed at contract performance review.
Criteria for exclusion and contra-indications:
1. Children under the age of 18 years
2. History of:
Persistent pain affecting either ear (defined as pain in or around the ear lasting more
than 7 days in the last 90 days and which has not resolved as a result of prescribed
treatment);
History of discharge (other than wax) from either ear within the last 90 days, which
has not responded to prescribed treatment, or which is recurrent;
Sudden loss or sudden deterioration of hearing (sudden=within 72 hours in which
case refer via locally agreed urgent care pathways). Due to the variety of causes of
sudden hearing loss, the treatment timescale should be decided locally by the
medical team. Prompt treatment may increase the likelihood of recovery;
Rapid loss or rapid deterioration of hearing (rapid=90 days or less);
Fluctuating hearing loss, other than associated with colds;
Unilateral or asymmetrical, or pulsatile or distressing tinnitus lasting more than 5
minutes at a time;
Troublesome, tinnitus which may lead to sleep disturbance or be associated with
symptoms of anxiety or depression;
Abnormal auditory perceptions (dysacuses);
Vertigo which has not fully resolved or which is recurrent. (Vertigo is classically
described as a hallucination of movement, but here includes any dizziness or
imbalance that may indicate otological, neurological or medical conditions. Examples
include spinning, swaying or floating sensations and veering to the side when
walking)
Normal peripheral hearing but with abnormal difficulty hearing in noisy backgrounds;
possibly having problems with sound localization, or difficulty following complex
auditory directions;
Altered sensation or numbness in the face or observed facial droop
3. On ear examination:
Complete or partial obstruction of the external auditory canal preventing full
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
17NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
examination of the eardrum. If any wax is obscuring the view of the eardrum, the GP
surgery should arrange wax removal before referring the patient to Audiology
Abnormal appearance of the outer ear and/or the eardrum (examples include:
inflammation of the external auditory canal, perforated eardrum, active discharge,
eardrum retraction, growths, swelling of the outer ear or blood in the ear canal).
4. On audiometry:
Conductive hearing loss, defined as 25 dB or greater air-bone gap present at two or
more of the following frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000 or 4000 Hz;
Unilateral or asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, defined as a difference
between the left and right bone conduction thresholds of 20 dB or greater at two or
more of the following frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000 or 4000 Hz;
Evidence of deterioration of hearing by comparison with an audiogram taken in the
last 24 months, defined as a deterioration of 15 dB or more in air conduction
threshold readings at two or more of the following frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000 or
4000 Hz.
Population covered
This service is not subject to the NHS Choice Rules and only patients age 18 and over and
who are on the registered lists of GPs who are members of NHS South Kent Coast CCG can
be seen under this contract.
Locations of Service:
All agreed locations of service must be within the geographic area of NHS South Kent Coast
CCG.
The Provider must only operate from the following locations of service:
Specsavers Folkestone
6 Alexandra Gardens
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 1SS
Specsavers Dover
11-16 Biggin Street
Dover
Kent
CT16 1BD
Specsavers Deal
13 High Street
Deal
Kent
CT14 7AA
Additional locations of service can be used only upon the written permission of the
Commissioner and after a contract variation process.
For the avoidance of doubt, under this contract the Provider may attend to patients at their
place of residence but there is no additional payment for such domiciliary visiting.
Local Standards
Workforce
The Provider must have an appropriate skill mix within their team in keeping with the
reco endations set out in ‘ ransfor ing dult earing er ices for atients ith earing
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
18NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Difficulty – ood ractice uide’ June 2007 and the BAA Scope of Practice (2016).
Assessment and treatment should always be provided by staff that are either suitably
registered or are supervised by a suitably registered practitioner and who are appropriately
trained, qualified and experienced.
The Professional Head of Service must be registered with the Health and Care Professions
Council or the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. Other team roles may include:
Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and assistant/associate audiologists who are suitably
qualified. here the o ern ent’s odernising cientific areers progra e brings
about changes to registration requirements, audiologists must be registered accordingly and
arrangements should be in place to support MSC training placements.
All staff should be provided with necessary training in line with the Intercollegiate document
and guidance for Safeguarding Adults.
All staff should be trained to identify the contra-indications and undertake appropriate action
according to defined protocols. In order to work unsupervised, staff need to be able to
evidence that they have undertaken a minimum of 50 assessments and fittings in the
preceding 12 months. Newly qualified Audiologists need to spend a minimum of two
weeks observing a qualified audiologist or dispenser, followed by two weeks working under
the direct fulltime supervision of a senior audiologist. Newly qualified staff undertaking this
training period should have a portfolio/evidence to demonstrate competence.
The Provider must be IQIPS accredited to provide assurance that staff are fully trained and
competent to deliver the service.
Facilities
Hearing assessments should be conducted in appropriately sound treated rooms where
possible such that a bient noise le els are co pliant ith the ‘B E I O 25 -1:2010
standard, Acoustics- Audiometric Test Methods – Part 1: basic pure tone air and bone
conduction threshold audio etry’ If this is not possible because domiciliary visits are
required, or where only preliminary hearing assessment is performed before full hearing
assessment, the 35 dBA (maximum background noise level) standard should be achieved
before undertaking testing. This should be done in situ with a portable sound level meter and
the e idence of this underta ing docu ented ’
Equipment and Software
The Provider should provide equipment and software for audiometric assessment and for the
fitting and evaluation of hearing aid(s) and the recording and export of service user data
including a minimum of:
Otoscope;
Ear impression taking equipment;
Ear mould modification equipment;
Audiometer, objective measurement (for example, REM) and 2cc test box systems
that store data electronically in a form that can be readily exported and read into
compatible NHS provider systems;
Appropriate and updated hearing aid fitting software;
A Patient Management System that stores data, including outcome questionnaire
responses (for example, GHABP/COSI/IOI-HA), electronically, in a form that can be
readily exported and read into compatible NHS provider systems;
Computer hardware and software of a sufficiently robust standard to support the
above systems, including secure back up facilities of all patient data.
Other Recommended Equipment:
Tympanometer to evaluate eardrum mobility and middle ear function as required.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
19NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
In addition:
All audiometric equipment should be regularly calibrated and checked to relevant
national or international guidelines including Stage A, Stage B or Stage C checks in
accordance with national recommendations;
Appropriate arrangements must be made for the regular maintenance and safety
checks of equip ent according to the anufacturer’s schedule;
Equipment and electrical connections should meet the NHS requirements of safety of
equipment used with patients and comply with the relevant NHS England
recommendations.
The Provider must propose plans and procedures for maintenance and
decontamination of diagnostic equipment.
Operating standards
The service must:
Screen all referrals within 2 working days of receipt
Send an electronic discharge summary, in which must be provided a brief
interpretation of the audiogram which must include any clinical recommendations by
the audiologist, to the patient’s ithin 7 calendar days of the issue of the hearing
aid(s).
Aim to reduce waiting times for assessment to 6 weeks or less
Provide a high quality service that reflects best professional practice
Reduce the necessity for patients to attend secondary care outpatient clinics
Provide both formal and informal education to promote effective clinical expertise,
Include patients in service satisfaction questionnaires, with an anticipated response
rate of 60%, and which are used as part of the audit cycle, with action plans to be
developed from findings
Achieve a maximum wait of 18 weeks from referral to first treatment with effect from
service inception
Comply with all relevant medical devices directives (Medicines and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Agency)
Protect the privacy and dignity of patients at all times, including having measures in
place to chaperone patients if this is requested
Comply with the Health and Social Care Act (2006) Part 2 (Prevention and Control of
Healthcare Associated Infections.
There must be infection control prevention and control policy that meets the requirements of
Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities), Regulations
2014: safe care and Treatment, IPC procedures and protocols including decontamination
must comply with NHS standards.
B. Indicative Activity Plan
Not Applicable
D. Essential Services (NHS Trusts only)
Not Applicable
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
20NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
G. Other Local Agreements, Policies and Procedures
Not Applicable
J. Transfer of and Discharge from Care Policies
Not applicable]
K. Safeguarding Policies and Mental Capacity Act Policies
The Provider will comply with the contemporaneous safeguarding policy of the
Commissioner and in particular the reporting mechanism that is in place and that may
change from time to time.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
21NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SCHEDULE 3 – PAYMENT
A. Local Prices
Audiology hearing aid assessment (including audiogram) only -
Device and fitting of one hearing aid device (unilateral) -
Device and fitting of two hearing aid devices (bilateral) -
First (and only) follow up appointment
after initial fitting (unilateral or bilateral) -
Hearing aid aftercare (battery change and repairs/fault rectification) -
There are no other amounts payable under this contract
Invoicing
Invoices should be submitted monthly and electronically through Tradepoint.com or by
post to the address below:
NHS South Kent Coast CCG
10A Payables K095
Phoenix House
Topcliffe Lane
Wakefield
WF3 1WE
Invoices must be dated and must include the name of the contract:
Community Audiology
and the contract reference number: SKC17011
and an invoice number (from your organisation)
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
22NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
B. Local Variations
Not Applicable
C. Local Modifications
Not Applicable
F. Expected Annual Contract Values
Not Applicable
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
23NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SCHEDULE 4 – QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
A. Operational Standards and National Quality Requirements
Ref Operational Threshold Method of Consequence of breach Timing of Applicable
Standards/National Measurement application of Service
Quality Requirements consequence Category
E.B.4 Percentage of Service Operating standard Review of Service Where the number of Service Monthly CS
Users waiting 6 weeks or of no more than 1% Quality Users waiting for 6 weeks or D
more from Referral for a Performance more at the end of the month
diagnostic test* Reports exceeds the tolerance
permitted by the threshold,
£200 in respect of each such
Service User above that
threshold
Duty of candour Each failure to notify Review of Service Recovery of the cost of the Monthly All
the Relevant Person Quality Performance episode of care, or £10,000 if
of a suspected or Reports the cost of the episode of care is
actual Notifiable unknown or indeterminate
Safety Incident in
accordance with
Regulation 20 of the
2014 Regulations
In respect of the Operational Standard shown in bold italics the provisions of SC36.27A apply.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
24NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
SCHEDULE 4 – QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
C. Local Quality Requirements
Quality Requirement Threshold Method of Consequence of breach Timing of Applicable
Measurement application of Service
consequence Specification
Outcomes:
Outcome 1 90 percent Validated service As per the remedies set out Monthly Performance Community
Improvement in service user reported user reported in the General Conditions of Report Audiology
quality of life outcome tools the contract.
such as Glasgow
Hearing Aid
Benefit Profile
(GHABP)/ Client
Oriented Scale of
Improvement
(COSI) and
International
Outcome
Inventory for
Hearing Aids (IOI-
HA) – questions
must include a
measure for
reported changes
to social isolation
and/or mental
health
Outcome 2 90 percent Question to be As per the remedies set out Monthly Performance Community
Percentage of service users reporting asked by the in the General Conditions of Report Audiology
continued use of their hearing aid 1 Provider of the the contract.
year after device issue. patient 1 year
after device issue
and reported on
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
25NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Quality Requirement Threshold Method of Consequence of breach Timing of Applicable
Measurement application of Service
consequence Specification
the Quality Report
KPIs (incorporating key outcomes
above)
Referral to Assessment Time 90 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Monthly Community
Assessments to be completed within 16 Quality in the General Conditions of Audiology
working days following receipt of Performance the contract.
referral, unless patient requests Reports
otherwise
Assessment to Fitting Time 90 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Monthly Community
Hearing aids to be fitted within 20 Quality in the General Conditions of Audiology
working days following assessment, Performance the contract.
unless patient requests otherwise Reports
Fitting to Follow Up Time 90 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Monthly Community
Appointments are offered within 10 Quality in the General Conditions of Audiology
weeks from fitting, unless there are Performance the contract.
clear, documented, clinical reasons to Reports
do otherwise, or the patient chooses to
wait beyond this period
AfterCare 95 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Monthly Community
Aftercare is available (face to face or Quality in the General Conditions of Audiology
non-face to face) within 2 working days Performance the contract.
of patient request Reports
Information Sharing 100 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Monthly Community
Patient records and associated Quality in the General Conditions of Audiology
letters/reports completed and sent to GP Performance the contract.
within 5 working days of hearing Reports
assessment/ fitting/ follow-up
Service User Experience 95 percent Review of Service As per the remedies set out Quarterly and Community
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
26NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form) (updated January 2018)
Quality Requirement Threshold Method of Consequence of breach Timing of Applicable
Measurement application of Service
consequence Specification
Standardised patient questionnaire to be Quality in the General Conditions of accumulative annual Audiology
issued at discharge points. Performance the contract. report to include an
95% of responses received from service Reports analysis of number of
users sampled should report overall patients discharged
satisfaction with service and surveyed,
number of responses
received, % of those
satisfied or very
satisfied with service.
Service Improvement 90 percent Service User As per the remedies set out Annual report to Community
Questionnaires in the General Conditions of demonstrate Audiology
Service user questionnaires and peer the contract. recommendations
satisfaction surveys to capture areas for and actions taken to
improvements. address areas of
service improvement
Improved quality of life 90 percent Validated service As per the remedies set out Monthly Performance Community
user reported in the General Conditions of Report Audiology
outcome tools the contract.
such as Glasgow
Hearing Aid
Benefit Profile
(GHABP)/ Client
Oriented Scale of
Improvement
(COSI) and
International
Outcome
Inventory for
Hearing Aids (IOI-
HA)
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
27NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
SCHEDULE 4 – QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
D. Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN)
CQUIN Table 1: CQUIN Indicators
Not Applicable
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
28NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
SCHEDULE 6 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
A. Reporting Requirements
Reporting Period Format of Report Timing and Method for
delivery of Report
National Requirements Reported Centrally
Not applicable
National Requirements Reported Locally
1. Activity and Finance Report (note that, if appropriately Quarterly Excel spreadsheet To be provided to the
designed, this report may also serve as the reconciliation Commissioner at least 1
account to be sent by the Provider under SC36.22) week before the contract
performance review
meetings.
2. Service Quality Performance Report, detailing performance Quarterly Excel spreadsheet To be provided to the
against Operational Standards, National Quality Commissioner at least 1
Requirements, Local Quality Requirements, Never Events, week before the contract
duty of candour submissions and patients reported by performance review
exception meetings.
3. Complaints monitoring report, setting out numbers of Quarterly Excel spreadsheet To be provided to the
complaints received and including analysis of key themes in Commissioner at least 1
content of complaints week before the contract
performance review
meetings.
4. Summary report of all incidents requiring reporting Quarterly Excel spreadsheet To be provided to the
Commissioner at least 1
week before the contract
performance review
meetings.
Local Requirements Reported Locally
Schedule 4A and 4C Local Quality Reporting Monthly Excel Spreadsheet To be provided to the
and any supporting Commissioner at least 1
Word and/or PDF week before the contract
documents performance review
meetings.
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
29NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
* In completing this section, the Parties should, where applicable, consider the change requirements for local commissioning patient-level data flows which will
need to be implemented when the new national Data Services for Commissioners technical solution becomes operational. These change requirements will be
published within the Data Services for Commissioners Resources webpage: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/tsd/data-services/
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
30NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
SCHEDULE 6 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
C. Incidents Requiring Reporting Procedure
Procedure(s) for reporting, investigating, and implementing and sharing Lessons Learned
from: (1) Serious Incidents (2) Notifiable Safety Incidents (3) Other Patient Safety Incidents
Insert text locally
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
31NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
SCHEDULE 7 – PENSIONS
Not Applicable
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
32NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
SCHEDULE 8 – TUPE*
Not Applicable
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
33NHS STANDARD CONTRACT 2017/18 and 2018/19 PARTICULARS (Shorter Form)
© Crown copyright 2018
First published: November 2016
Republished: January 2018
Published in electronic format only
SKC17011 – Community Audiology – Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited
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