NHS Arden & GEM CSU and NHS England

When NHS England Highly Specialised Commissioners sought to establish a service to provide pioneering prenatal surgery for foetuses with open spina bifida, a collaborative procurement project with NHS Arden & GEM CSU was initiated. Based on trust, transparency, and engagement, the multidisciplinary project group successfully co-designed and delivered a service model and procurement strategy to appoint two specialist providers for this complex procedure, including an overseas provider. Six surgeries have already been undertaken, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of babies and their families.