BUPA Physiotherapy Tender Process

[Jill Wigmore-Welsh]

Some Physios have said that BUPA has phoned their practice several times this week, and this comment appears to reinforce a belief that therefore BUPA are 'worried' that Physios wont tender. Reiterating comments made earlier, could it be that BUPA could have anticipated a negative response from Physios ? Isn't it possible that non tendering practices are being contacted just so that when the tender deadline of 12pm tomorrow evening passes...well its passed.
A tender dealine is just that, and I am unconvinced that droves of Physio practices wont tender.

I spoke to BUPA today with regard to an issue raised over taking on a contract then wanting to get out for varied reasons, and found the dialogue to be as reasonable as any conversation I have had with a corporate.

While I recognise that there are many negatives to this whole process. Our profession has left chinks, and let us be mindful that this issue is less to do with the tender than our whole professionalism as Physiotherapists.

Perhaps we need to project ourselves further to the future and rather than directing anger at BUPA, who seem really just to be acting as a business. Maybe we could be reflective over where our seeming trust in the CSP to manage the direction of Physios in indepnedent practice came from.

With regard the derisive comment from Physiobob with regard my suggestion of a Physioplan concept. The actuality is the same in Dentistry and Chiropractic professions yet Dentists and Chiropractors have great insurance policies for their professions

[alasdairjon]

I would like to share the opinion of the Federation of Small Businesses legal advice team, who, when appraised of the situation, suggested that we would be better off tendering. Not by accepting all the various clauses, but by filling it out as we see fit. However, they did advise us to ensure we included our strong opposition to the nature of the tender, and state the reasons why we oppose, on an idividual clinic basis. I was advised that this would allow us to shift our position at a later stage, if a legal challenge were successful (which will take months, if not years).

Jill is absolutely spot on. BUPA are apparently acting to boost their profits and further secure their empire. They are a business, not an empathetic, conscientious, professional Chartered Physiotherapist. We cannot blame them for trying, but we should be far stronger in our response to them. Physios have proved what a divided bunch we are, and really invited this action upon ourselves. The shame is that there are certainly those that have already, and will still tender, regardless of their moral compass, because of the fear engendered by a large company laying down terms and conditions, and as suggested in previous posts "putting a gun to our heads".
Fingers crossed for tomorrow. Call your local MP's, any legal representative you know, and bombard the media. Protect the profession.

[physiobob]

It disappoints me to read the few posts above this one about people considering tendering for a contract based on what seems like short term interests. I understand people financial consideration given their current reliance on BUPA however if that is not your situation then I can see no hesitancy in NOT tendering. This is not a regional issue (as I have said many times), this is an issue for the entire profession, students, new graduates, NHS physio's and private practitioners. To be honest it is enough to make me consider hanging up the clinical hat. The majority of people are not tendering, not to mention the 30,000+ physio's who would not have receive one anyway. BUPA does have over 12,000 physio's on their books and they haven't let anyone else on them for years (newer grads that is). If a small number of practices in the UK tender and 99% do not the BUPA does not have any opportunity to change the current relationships. Nor will they be in a position to step into the NHS as the preferred provider. I will be standing firm. This is a long-term position for the stability of my business. If some of you wish to go the way of the TESCO farmer then so be it. Perhaps those that so should read the book Tescopoly!

[physio007]

please everyone do not submit a tender. I know a number of practices have done so in my region and are doing so at their normal rates. Surely they will just get rejected......? And then what? You have accepted their terms and if you re negotiate it will purely be based on price
If we are just negotiating our services on price, at what point does our long established profession turn into the oldest profession

[TCM003]

I tried sending an email to Jane Gallagher last night requesting further clarification. I have received what appears to be an automated response.

Please be advised that the deadline for submitting your online tender is midnight on Friday 24th April 2009.

Due to the volume of emails we have received and this fast approaching closing date, we are unlikely to be able to respond to your email prior to the tender closing date. We therefore suggest that you phone our Physiotherapy Tender helpline with your query; 0845 600 4078, open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.

Once you have completed your online tender, please use the PRINT icon at the top of section 10 to print out two copies (we recommend that you also print out an additional copy for your records). Check that this has successfully printed, and then use the SUBMIT icon to despatch your tender to Bupa. Once you have submitted your tender you will be unable to print any additional copies.

Please sign two copies of the printed contract and return them in the postage paid envelope included with your invitation to tender letter.

With kind regards
Physiotherapy Tender Team
Bupa, Thames Side House, Staines, Middlesex TW18 4TL
T: 0845-600-4078; [email protected]
Please consider the environment before printing this email.

I then followed the advise above but all the advisors were busy so I left contact details and emailed the physiotender address. Response

Please be advised that the deadline for submitting your online tender is midnight on Friday 24th April 2009.

Due to the volume of emails we have received and this fast approaching closing date, we are unlikely to be able to respond to your email prior to the tender closing date. We therefore suggest that you phone our Physiotherapy Tender helpline with your query; 0845 600 4078, open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.

Once you have completed your online tender, please use the PRINT icon at the top of section 10 to print out two copies (we recommend that you also print out an additional copy for your records). Check that this has successfully printed, and then use the SUBMIT icon to despatch your tender to Bupa. Once you have submitted your tender you will be unable to print any additional copies.

Please sign two copies of the printed contract and return them in the postage paid envelope included with your invitation to tender letter.

With kind regards
Physiotherapy Tender Team
Bupa, Thames Side House, Staines, Middlesex TW18 4TL
T: 0845-600-4078; [email protected]
Please consider the environment before printing this email.