AN NHS contract to transfer the running of physiotherapy services in York has been stopped by the city's commissioners.

Kent-based Healthshare Clinical Services had been due to take over the running of the musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical assessment triage and treatment services in York on November 1.

However, the NHS commissioners for York have said they are "unable to proceed" with the awarding of the five year contract and will begin the procurement process again.

Commissioners have not explained exactly why this decision was made, only saying they are legally entitled to withdraw the contract if the bidder has "failed to provide technically acceptable solutions with a fixed price on agreed contractual terms which offer value for money and are affordable".

A spokesperson for Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We will be undertaking a new procurement process and anticipate a service commencement from October 2016. The engagement and involvement of patients and service users will play a key role in this work and we will use the views we collect to help shape a new service specification.

"In the meantime, patients will continue to receive the care and treatment they need. We are working closely with York Hospital and other local providers to deliver services".

The decision follows controversy over the awarding of an NHS contract to run mental health services in York earlier this year when then contract holder Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) disputed the decision to give the contract to the Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust.

Until the contract is re-awarded, patients that need direct access to MSK physiotherapy will be referred by their GP to the Ramsay Healthcare UK at Clifton Park Hospital or Nuffield Health York Hospital.

Patients that have a treatment plan will continue to be seen by York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

All new referrals for acute back pain will be referred to the current MSK service at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

All new referrals for Podiatry will be referred to Jorvik Podiatry Centre.