Provision of Echocardiology Services

Description

The service has been using E-logica for many years. The service has expanded to perform over 4000 tests per year, enabling the Community Cardiology Service to meet the increasing demand. The Community Trust has invested in Echocardiogram machines through the capital program to ensure the sustainability of the service and the ability to meet the conditions set in the Header Contract. We receive an exceptional quality service from E-Logica, alternatives are directly employing cardiac physiologists or awarding to another supplier. Neither option would not be cost effective due to the cost of employment and alternative supplier costs demonstrated Key Criterion 2. There is national shortage of these clinical professionals and recruitment would carry a significant risk to service provision due to leave/vacancy similar to the issues at other NHS providers (inc. WUTH) resulting in unacceptable waiting times. Recruitment risk and resource availability is carried by the supplier. Additionally clinical supervision would not be available within WCHC, therefore requiring externally sourced supervision which would result in additional costs.