Online Consultation & Video Consultation (OCVC) Procurement Updates
Following our ongoing engagement with practices, PCNs, transformation teams, and other key stakeholders across North East London, we would like to provide an update on the current status of the Online Consultation & Video Consultation (OCVC) Procurement process.
We have been working closely with colleagues from NHSE and the Procurement Hub, and while we are still awaiting final decisions regarding funding allocation and the available procurement route, we want to ensure transparency and keep you informed about the potential outcomes.
To help manage expectations, the current situation could lead to one of the following three scenarios:
| No. | Funding | Procurement Route | Outcome | Impact to practices |
| 1. | Available | Extension of the current contracts with eConsult, Klinik, and accuRx | The ICB’s current contract will be extended to 12 months/18 months basis. | Status quo. No changes. |
| 2. | Available | No contract extension, procurement via G-Cloud 14 platform | A new contract is put in place. | The project team will initiate the engagement process with practices, following the approach outlined in previous procurement discussions. |
| 3. | Not available | Not available | The ICB’s current contract ends on 31st March 2025. | Practices will need to assess whether to continue providing OCVC using their own budget or explore alternative consultation methods for their patients. |
We understand that this uncertainty may raise questions, and we truly appreciate your patience and collaboration as we navigate this process. We remain committed to keeping you informed and will provide further updates as soon as we have more clarity.
Please feel free to contact us at nelondonicb.digitalfirst@nhs.net should you require further clarification.