Purpose

A variation of the contract to extend the contract length ,
approval required.

Content

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION
 
That the Executive:
 

a)     
Approved a contract variation of eight months to the current
contract, this will provide the additional time required for the
development of a new ICES model for procurement, as well as allow
the necessary time to procure the new model given the complexity
and number of partners involved.

 

b)     
Approved the procurement of a new Integrated Community
Equipment Service contract, in partnership with West
Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and the Northamptonshire Integrated
Care Board (ICB) over a period of 5 years, with the option to
extend by a further 3 years (5+1+1+1). This contract will commence
on 1st April 2027, seamlessly following on from the
current contract (with the variation extension).
 

c)   Delegated authority to the Executive
Director for Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing (DASS), in
consultation with the Executive Member of Adults and Health
Partnerships, to make any further decisions to conclude this
Procurement, award the contract and take any decisions and/or
actions over the life of the contract.
 
 
Reasons for the
Recommendations - Officers would like to make the following
improvements to the ICES model and need additional time to prepare
for these positive changes:
 

•     Put into place a
self-assessment model at the “front door” to enable
people to source low level equipment that does not require a formal
assessment. This will support them to receive equipment much
quicker, as they will not need to join an assessment waiting list.
Further to this, it will reduce the impact of resources on clinical
and Council therapy teams, who are required to carry out these
assessments.

•     Create a model where
care homes can buy from the ICES equipment catalogue. This will
improve quality, as all catalogue items are specified by NHS and
Council employed clinical staff but will also offer a safer and
more robust offer to our Provider Market. This will also improve
efficiencies, preventing the same equipment having to be sourced
from elsewhere, reducing transportation and climate
impacts.

•     Offer a longer
contract length, which allows Officers time to develop the model,
in partnership with the successful Provider, throughout the
lifetime of the contract. This approach has been demonstrated in
the current contract, where substantial improvements have been made
following performance concerns earlier on.

•     The additional time
for the contract variation also supports the Market. There are
limited Providers in the market currently, most recently a large
supplier/provider liquidated their business. By adding additional
time, it allows the Market to stabilise and grow. Officers can take
a more informed approach if sufficient time is given to watch, and
support, the Market.

•     Extend the service
model to cover Saturday mornings and bank holidays for equipment
deliveries, this will support hospital discharge and end of life
care.

•     Rename the service to
the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICELS). The
rationale behind this change is to remind people in receipt of
equipment, that it is loaned, and they do not own the equipment
provided. This further reinforces that the equipment is to be
returned when no longer needed. The ICES model is based on a reuse
and recycle scheme, which is a model that is proven to reduce
contract spend, in addition to environmental factors.

•     Aligning the contract
to an April 1st contract start date is preferable to all partners
regarding the financial functions of the contract. Market
Engagement exercises also indicate that this is preferred by the
Provider Market.
 
Alternative Options Considered
- Officers completed an in-depth options appraisal, exploring
potential partnerships with other councils, and existing frameworks
(Appendix A). Officers have also considered various contract
lengths, to ensure not only stability for users of the service and
Providers, but also to achieve the most cost-effective way of
procuring and delivering the contract.