Purpose

To approve the award of a contract to the successful provider for Nursing and Dementia Nursing and Hotel Services at Heathlands Care Centre, following the completion of an open tender process conducted under the Procurement Act 2023.

Decision

RESOLVED that the  award a contract to the successful bidder for the Nursing and Dementia Nursing Service & Hotel Service at Heathlands Care Centre for an initial contract term of 5 years commencing 8 April 2027 is approved.

RESOLVED that the it i note that the contract may be extended by the council at 5 year intervals up to a total of 20 years.

Reasons for the decision

The current contract for dementia nursing and hotel services at Heathlands Care Centre ends on 7 April 2027. A new contract is required to ensure continuity of care, safety and quality of the service from 8 April 2027. An open tender process for a new contract has been undertaken in accordance with the Strategic Procurement Plan approved by Cabinet on 28 April 2026. As approved in the Strategic Procurement Plan, the decision to award the contract to the successful provider is delegated to the Executive Director: People and the Executive Director: Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults, Economy & Regeneration.

The new contract will support the council to deliver its statutory duties under the Care Act. The Care Act requires Local Authorities to: • Meet the needs of people eligible for care and their carers, and fund care for those people with needs who meet financial eligibility criteria • Shape the adult social care market to encourage quality, choice and sufficiency of provision • Undertake local contingency planning in case of provider failure • Ensure continuity of care where services cease • Work with NHS to promote integration including integrated commissioning and joined up services

Alternative options considered

Alternative Options were considered and details are set out in the Strategic Procurement Plan approved by Cabinet on 28 April 2026.