FOI 2025/1263

1. Please provide the names of all independent Sector Providers (ISPs) that have a NHS Standard Contract with your’ ICB for the provision of any Ophthalmology Services, to include but not limited to the delivery of Cataract Surgery for 1) the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and 2) the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. Independent Sector Providers (ISP) include but are not limited to Anglia Community Eye Service (ACES), Community Health & Eyecare (CHEC), Newmedica, Optegra, and SpaMedica.
2. Please provide the total value in GBP (£) of the Indicative Activity Plan of each ISP covered in number 1 of this request for each and all Ophthalmology related services for 1) the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and 2) the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. In addition to all Ophthalmology related services, please confirm the values attributable within the IAP to cataract outpatient and cataract surgical care The Indicative Activity Plan (IAP) is covered under Schedule 2 of the Standard Contract.
3. Please provide the total value in GBP (£) paid by the ICB to ISPs for Ophthalmology related activity performed under the Contract for; 1) the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and, 2) the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. Furthermore, please specify the value attributable within this total Ophthalmology spend that related to cataract outpatient and cataract surgical care.
4. Please provide the total value in GBP (£) of the Indicative Activity Plan of each ISP covered in number 1 of this request for each and all Ophthalmology related services for 1) the period 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 In addition to all Ophthalmology related services, please confirm the values attributable within the IAP to cataract outpatient and cataract surgical care The Indicative Activity Plan (IAP) is covered under Schedule 2 of the Standard Contract.

1. Independent Sector Providers (ISPs) that have a NHS Standard Contract with your’ ICB for the provision of any Ophthalmology Services 2023/24

• SpaMedica
• Optegra Eye Healthcare
• Practice Plus Group
• Oaklands hospital
• Circle Health (Highfield hospital)

Independent Sector Providers (ISPs) that have a NHS Standard Contract with your’ ICB for the provision of any Ophthalmology Services 2024/25

• SpaMedica
• Optegra Eye Healthcare
• Practice Plus Group
• Community Health and Eyecare (CHEC) Ltd
• Anglia Community Eye Service Ltd
• Newmedica
• Oaklands hospital
• Circle Health (Highfield hospital)

2. The information requested has been withheld by virtue of Section 43(2).

Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 states:

“Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of any person (including the public authority holding it)”.

In this instance, disclosure of the information would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM). This exemption is subject to the public interest test and for the reasons outlined below we are satisfied that the exemption applies.

Public interest test

There is an inherent public interest in ensuring that there is openness and transparency in the spending of public money. Transparency is likely to increase confidence in procurement processes and the purchasing decisions made by NHS GM. It also enables the public to understand whether NHS GM is getting value for money from its purchasing decisions.

However, we believe that disclosure the value of individual provider Indicative Activity plans could prejudice the current or future negotiating capabilities of NHS GM. Pricing information could be used to offer lower prices based on the perceived amount that we are willing to pay for similar services. While lower costs may appear to be in the public interest, this would not be the case if the competitor was to offer an unrealistic price that they could not deliver in practice. This could lead to problems with the running of the service, which would be contrary to the public interest as it will have to be funded from the public purse.

After considering the arguments outlined above, we have decided to withhold this information.

3. The total Ophthalmology spend shown below relates to the period from April 2023 to March 2025. It is important to note that due to the quality of data submitted by the Independent Sector providers NHS GM cannot categorise or identify outpatient appointments between sub-specialties.

It is important to note that this spend also includes ISP noncontract activity for patient choice provision.

4. IAPs for 2025/25 remain under negotiation.