Shropshire 0-25 Public Health Nursing Service (PHNS)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The focus isn't just nursing
When I read this tender, one thing stands out clearly.
Shropshire Council is not just looking for a nursing service.
They're looking for an integrated model that can truly support children, young people and families across the area.
This contract covers the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme for ages 0-19, extending to 25 where necessary. It includes Health Visiting, School Nursing and Family Nurse Partnership services.
They want a service that promotes positive health and wellbeing, reduces inequalities and adapts to local needs.
That's what I'd focus on in your submission.
Remember the community-based approach
Yes, this is about healthcare.
But at its heart, it's about community.
Shropshire Council wants a provider who can work within the community, using a preventative model to improve health outcomes.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd look for evidence of how you can engage with the community and use local intelligence to tailor your services.
Collaboration is key
This tender repeatedly emphasises the importance of collaboration.
Shropshire Council is looking for a provider who can work seamlessly with health, social care, education and other stakeholders.
I'd advise you to highlight your experience in building partnerships and delivering joined-up services.
That's likely to resonate well with the evaluators.
Evidence over promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to excel at collaboration.
Few proved it.
If you have evidence of successful partnerships or collaborative projects, use it.
- Testimonials from partners
- Case studies showing successful outcomes
- Data on improved health and wellbeing from past projects
Qualified leadership matters
The tender specifies that Qualified Public Health Nurses will provide professional leadership and clinical oversight.
This isn't just about having nurses.
It's about having the right leadership to guide the service and ensure safeguarding expertise.
I'd recommend detailing how your team's qualifications and experience align with these requirements.
Pay attention to what they say
Shropshire Council is clear about the need for a multidisciplinary workforce.
This means a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff working together.
They're not just interested in the qualifications of your team but also how they will integrate and function cohesively.
Explain how you'll ensure this integration and maintain high standards across the board.
Think long-term consistency
This contract spans five years.
Consistency over time is crucial.
I'd focus on your strategies for maintaining service quality, managing staff turnover and ensuring continuity of care.
That's what will reassure the council.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This service isn't just about meeting the tender requirements.
It's about making a real difference in the lives of children and families in Shropshire.
I'd keep this at the forefront of my mind when crafting responses to the tender questions.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on nursing without addressing the integrated model
- Lack evidence of successful collaboration
- Ignore the importance of community engagement
- Underestimate the need for qualified leadership
- Fail to demonstrate long-term consistency
- Overlook the importance of a multidisciplinary workforce
My Final Thoughts
Shropshire Council is looking for more than just a healthcare provider.
They want a partner who can deliver a comprehensive, community-focused service that truly supports local children and families.
With a contract value of £25,296,852 and a duration from 30 Sept 2027 to 30 Sept 2032, this is a significant opportunity.
The focus on collaboration and integration suggests quality will be highly valued in the evaluation.
That's where your written submission needs to shine.
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.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
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.