Purpose

This report sets out the procurement approach and seeks
approval for the contract award for the delivery of Drug and
Alcohol Treatment and Support for Rough Sleepers to Via Care Ltd
the incumbent provider of this service.  Local
authorities can now arrange relevant health care services, such as
these, by following The Health Care Services Provider Selection
Regime Regulations (PSR) 2023, which came into effect on 1 January
2024. This contract is being awarded using the Direct Award Process
C available under the PSR 2023 to award the new contract to Via
Care Ltd.
 
The service includes a number of specific roles which form
a virtual team, a nurse prescriber, specialist drug and alcohol
outreach workers and a specialist women’s
worker.  This team will work with the
borough’s existing street outreach service, Routes off The
Streets, to provide drug and alcohol treatment to rough sleepers
which will include rapid access to opiate substitute prescribing,
flexible pathways to in-patient detox and residential
rehabilitation facilities, access to a dedicated nurse, and
specific support for female rough
sleepers. 
 
The new contract will run for 12 months commencing on 7
April 2025, for a value of £421,000 and is fully funded from
a successful bid to the Office for Health Improvements and
Disparities.
 
This report is being presented to the Director of Health
and Wellbeing in accordance with Contract Standing
Orders.

Content

THAT the Director of Health and Wellbeing agrees the award of
the contract to Via Care Ltd for a period of 12 months from
7th April 2025 for the sum of £421,000.