Purpose

To seek approval to undertake the procurement
of a support service for stroke survivors, their families and
carers that reside in East Berkshire. Bracknell Forest Council to
lead the commissioning process on behalf of the East Berkshire
Specialist Commissioning Partnership.

Decision

 
i.      
an
open tender is progressed under the current procurement regulations
(2015) for an East Berkshire Stroke Support Service.

 
ii.    
Bracknell Forest
to continue the role as Lead Commissioner supported by the East
Berkshire Partnership.
 
iii.   
authority is
delegated for the Executive Director: People to approve contract
award in consultation with the Executive Member for Adults and
Public Health.

Reasons for the decision

1.    
The Care Act 2014 places a duty of care on local
authorities to provide information and advice to promote the
wellbeing of individuals, including stroke survivors, ensuring that
people receive the support they need to live independently and make
informed choices about their care.

 
2.    
The health and social care integration white paper
published in 2022 emphasises the importance of providing
comprehensive information, advice and guidance to individuals
ensuring the right support is provided throughout their recovery
journey.
 
3.    
The East Berkshire Specialist Stroke Support Service
provides high quality
information, specialist advice and (non-medical) support to
stroke survivors and families / carers.
 
4.    
The service is funded through the Better Care Fund
for each contributing partner which includes the Frimley Integrated
Care Board (ICB), Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM),
Slough Borough Council (SBC) and Bracknell Forest
Council.

 
5.    
In consideration of the specialist nature of the
service, the East Berkshire
commissioning partnership have indicated a preference for a
5-year (3+1+1) contract in order to provide market sustainability
and consistency of service for stroke survivors and their
families.

Alternative options considered

1.    
A significant exercise led by Frimley ICB was
undertaken in 23/24 to consider
whether
the East Berkshire Stroke Support Service should be
broadened
geographically to include the whole of the Frimley Integrated
Care Service (ICS). It is important to note that all areas within
the ICS provide stroke support services to residents, the aim of
this exercise was to consider the benefits of a joint contractual
service.
 
2.    
Considerations included the demographics, existing
funding and contractual
arrangements and stroke prevalence across the ICS.
 
3.    
Parties concluded that the varying contractual
arrangements and geographical limitations of the ICS meant that an
East Berkshire contract is the most viable approach for the East
Berkshire residents.