The Supply of Thermo Testing Devices Nationally

HSE Procurement intend to purchase approximately 2 Pain and Sensory Evaluation Systems from Advanced Medical Equipment for the objective assessment of sudomotor function and peripheral small-fibre/autonomic neuropathy. The proposed Sudomotor Function Assessment System will form part of the Neurophysiology department’s diagnostic pathway and will be used alongside Thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST), with both technologies providing complementary information in the assessment of patients with suspected small-fibre and autonomic nerve dysfunction. The proposed Sudomotor Function Assessment System is understood to be the only system of its type currently available and certified for clinical use within the relevant market, using electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of the hands and feet as the basis for quantitative sudomotor assessment. The proposed system provides a non-invasive, quantitative assessment of sudomotor function, with results available within a short assessment period, and is intended to complement existing neurophysiological investigations. The requirement is based on the specific clinical and technical functionality required by the service rather than on a preference for a particular manufacturer. The Sudomotor assessment technology and Thermal QST provide complementary diagnostic information in the assessment of small-fibre neuropathies and autonomic dysfunction and may identify abnormalities that are not necessarily demonstrated through conventional nerve conduction studies/electromyography (NCV/EMG) alone. The clinical team has advised that the combination of objective sudomotor assessment and Thermal QST is of particular clinical value, as the two investigations assess different aspects of small-fibre and autonomic nerve function and may provide complementary findings. Both technologies are also used in specialist neurophysiology settings for the objective assessment of small-fibre neuropathy and may assist in supporting clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions. On the basis of the specific clinical and technical requirements of the Neurophysiology Department, the outcome of the market research undertaken, and the absence of a reasonable equivalent alternative, it is proposed that the requirement be progressed by way of a VEAT notice and considered for procurement through the appropriate exemption route. HSE Procurement is satisfied that Advanced Medical Equipment is capable of fulfilling these justified requirements. The HSE intends to purchase 3 systems totalling €419,760 (Capital equipment of €276,750 incl. VAT and €143,010 incl. VAT Maintenance for 10 Years) Consequently, in accordance with Article 32(2)(b)(ii) of Directive 2014/24/EU, competition is absent for technical reasons and the award of this contract to Advanced Medical Equipment without a competitive process is permitted by the procurement regulations. HSE Procurement undertake that no contract shall be awarded to Advanced Medical Equipment for the supply of these systems until a period of fourteen days has elapsed, commencing on the day after the date of publication of this notice at European level.