Purpose

This report requests approval to award a
contract for the provision of day services to Alzheimer's Society
at St Vincent's House Day Centre.

Decision

 

The Executive
Director of People’s Services in consultation with the
Deputy Leader (formally deputising for the Cabinet
Member for Health and Social Care)approves the
direct award to Alzheimer’s Society for the provision of day
services at St Vincent’s from 1st May
2025-31st August 2026 for the cost of
£402,034.45.

 

Reasons for the decision

1.   
Under the Care Act 2014 local authorities have a
statutory duty to provide care and support to those with eligible
needs. Day centres like Alzheimer’s Society play a crucial
role in fulfilling this duty.
 
2.   
Alzheimer’s Society is a popular service with
residents averaging 100% daily capacity (16/16 spaces). Through
feedback collected in 2023/24 the residents, carers and families
said they were very happy with the services and complimentary about
staff. The team won the ‘compassionate award’ from
Alzheimer’s Society in 2022 for their work during the
pandemic, which included visits to residents doors.
 
3.   
The day centre shares St Vincent’s building
with the Memory Clinic and Care UK’s dementia care home. This
ensures a seamless transition from diagnosis to ongoing care and
support for residents with dementia. A direct award will ensure
continuity of service, avoiding disruptions that could negatively
impact residents with dementia.
 
4.   
A review of day opportunities will be undertaken to
understand the current offer and gaps in services to support our
most vulnerable residents. The review will
align all day opportunities contracts and redesign the wider offer
to ensure the best possible use of resources to meet the needs of
adults in our communities. A direct award of 16 months is needed
while re-procurement takes place.
 

Alternative options considered

1.   
Option1- direct award a
contract to the incumbent provider for the provision of day
services at St Vincent’s for 16 months-
recommended
This
option is recommended.
 
2.   
Option 2- go out to
procurement immediately- not recommended
This
option is not recommended as the contract would lapse while a
procurement is undertaken.
 
3.   
Option 3- do nothing- not
recommended
This
option is not recommended as it would allow the contract to lapse,
resulting in the Council not being able to meet its statutory
duties or potentially using high-cost out-of-borough provision to
do so.