Contracts for Innovation Cymru - Ending Abandonment After Stroke
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about rehabilitation
When you read through this tender, you'll notice something important.
It's not just about providing more therapy.
It's about ensuring stroke survivors don't feel abandoned once they leave the hospital.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is looking for innovative solutions that can support recovery and long-term independence for stroke survivors across Wales.
This contract covers solutions to improve rehabilitation and recovery, focusing on equitable access for all, regardless of location.
Think about equity, not just innovation
The core issue here is equity.
Access to rehabilitation varies widely depending on where a person lives in Wales.
This tender calls for solutions that level the playing field.
Your proposal should demonstrate how it addresses this disparity.
Focus on reaching rural, remote and underserved communities.
Personalised support is key
The challenge isn't just about more therapy sessions.
It's about personalised, continuous and motivating rehabilitation across various settings.
Think about how your solution can offer self-management support at home, in the community and in outpatient settings.
Buyers want to see how your approach will improve experiences and outcomes for stroke survivors.
Evidence always carries more weight than promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that promises are easy to make but hard to prove.
You need evidence.
Evidence of patient and carer outcomes.
Evidence of rehabilitation outcomes and user experience.
Evidence of service and workforce impact.
- Patient and carer outcomes
- Rehabilitation outcomes
- User experience
- Service and workforce impact
- Affordability and sustainability
- Adoption readiness and future scalability
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is clear about what matters.
They want to see solutions that can be adapted, developed or enhanced for NHS Wales and stroke survivors.
They aren't looking for early-stage concepts or proof-of-concept development.
Your solution should have an established foundation and be ready for adaptation and real-world demonstration.
Don't underestimate the challenge's scope
This isn't a small undertaking.
The contract spans across Wales, impacting numerous communities.
Successful projects will need to demonstrate how they support the core delivery plan to 31 March 2027, including activities, milestones, deliverables and costs.
Consideration for a potential further stage beyond April 2027 is also required.
Remember the end users
At the heart of this tender are the stroke survivors.
Their recovery journey is what this contract is all about.
Your proposal should keep their needs front and centre.
The solution must address barriers like geography, transport and digital exclusion.
Robust project management is crucial
The Health Board is looking for a well-thought-out delivery plan.
It must include detailed activities, milestones, deliverables and costs up to 31 March 2027.
You should also outline a separate proposal for a potential further stage beyond April 2027.
Ensure your core project remains viable even if additional funding does not become available.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Lack a clear focus on equity of access
- Fail to provide evidence of existing solution effectiveness
- Overpromise on innovation without a solid foundation
- Ignore the need for personalised and continuous support
- Don’t include a robust delivery and evaluation plan
- Overlook the potential further stage beyond April 2027
- Fail to address barriers faced by rural and underserved communities
- Do not consider sustainability and scalability
My Final Thoughts
This tender isn't just about rehabilitation services.
It's about creating a sustainable, equitable solution for stroke survivors in Wales.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is looking for innovative, scalable approaches that can be adapted to meet diverse needs.
With a value of £300,000 and a focus on quality, your written submission must be strong.
It's not just about filling the gaps—it's about transforming the journey to recovery.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.