FOI 2026/1744

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Please provide the following information in relation to Online Consultation (OC) systems currently in use across your Integrated Care Board (ICB):

1. The name(s) of the current Online Consultation provider(s) commissioned by your ICB (e.g. for primary care / GP practices).
2. The total annual cost (or total contract value) of each Online Consultation contract, including any implementation, licensing, or support fees.
3. The start date and end date of each contract, including any extension options.
4. The number of GP practices or primary care providers covered under each contract.
5. Whether a procurement exercise is planned upon expiry of the current contract(s) and, if so, the anticipated timeline.

If any of this information is already published, please direct me to the relevant publication.

I understand that under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you are required to respond within 20 working days of receipt of this request.

1. Accurx, PATCHS, Footfall, AskMyGP, E-consult, iPlato, MJog
2. The requested information relates to a live and ongoing procurement exercise. We are, therefore, applying Section 43(2) (Commercial Interests) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

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)”.

Factors favouring disclosure.

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.

Factors favouring non-disclosure.

However, we consider that disclosure at this stage would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the supplier and NHS GM, as it could compromise the integrity of the procurement process and ongoing negotiations. If disclosed, it is likely to negatively affect their ability to negotiate or to compete in a commercial environment, particularly in relation to future commissioning, negotiation and value-for-money considerations.

Balancing Test.

After considering the arguments outlined above, we have decided to withhold this information.  While we recognise the public interest in transparency relation to NHS commissioning arrangements, we consider that maintaining a fair and competitive procurement process currently outweighs the public interest in disclosure. The position may be reviewed once the procurement has concluded

3. Contract start date 01/04/2025 Contract end date 31/03/2026 extension periods commercially sensitive due to in flight re-procurement – please refer to the response to question 2.
4. PATCHS 44 practices, Footfall 47 practices, Accurx 411 practices (due to bookings),

AskMyGP 80 practices, iPlato167 practices, E-consult 49 practices, MJog 36 practices

5. 2026 Procurement currently in flight via G-Cloud 14 in partnership with NHS England procurement hub – Timescales 1-3 months (estimated).

To view any responses to past Freedom of Information requests received by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board relating to this Online Consultation Systems please click on the link below

Freedom of Information | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership