Purpose

A Nursing Block
Contract offers stability in access to affordable nursing care for
Camden residents, which is a critical component of the
Council’s Accommodation Strategy. There is evidence of an
ongoing and growing need for nursing placements locally and
nationally.
 
This report sets
out the proposed approach and the justification for the award of a
12-month contract to Gold Care for the provision of 35 nursing
block beds under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Urgent Award
Route.
 
The current
contract for Nursing Block Provision at Lansdowne Care Home
commenced on 23rd July 2018 for an initial four-year period with
three one-year extension options, which were later taken up in
recognition of their high-quality care and support
offer.
 
Camden residents
benefitted from the strong partnership approach employed by the
provider for the duration of this contract. However, officers have
been unable to pursue a longer-term arrangement under PSR Direct
Award due to the change in ownership from Four Seasons to GCH
(Alder) Ltd at the end of April 2025. GCH (Alder) Ltd is referred
to as “Gold Care Homes” in this report.
 
This report
seeks approval to award a 12-month contract to commence in July
2025 at a total value of £1,897,896. It provides an
opportunity for the Council to establish a relationship with Gold
Care Homes, who are relatively new to North Central London (NCL),
whilst offering security for Camden residents who already call
Lansdowne home.
 
Lansdowne Care
Home is highly regarded by residents, visiting professionals and
the local community and has become a valued part of Camden’s
Care Home network. Commissioners and Adult Social Care colleagues
share a commitment to pursuing all necessary options to explore
whether the partnership can be maintained under the new
ownership.
 
Following
negotiations with Gold Care Homes this report recommends, as part
of the procurement strategy and contract award, an increase of
£196.88 per bed per week. The provider has completed a
detailed costing tool outlining the necessity of this 23% increase
to ensure financial sustainability at a time of significant
operational cost pressures for care providers. This will also
ensure that fee rates do not fall further below the “minimum
sustainable” banding as identified by Care Analytics through
the North Central London (NCL) annual fee review
process.
 
Work is underway
to review the wider commissioning strategy for nursing care from
2026 onwards.

Content

THAT the
Executive Director, Adults and Health, following consultation with
the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social
Care:
 

1.    
approves the procurement strategy under the Provider
Selection Regime Urgent Award Route

2.    
approves the award of the contract to GCH (Alder) Ltd for a
period of 12-months for the sum of £1,897,896