Purpose

To set out commissioning intentions and agree route to market for a long-term Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service.

Decision

Approval has been given to progress a Direct Award for a strategic partner to deliver the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service from 1 April 2027, following expiry of the current contract on 31 March 2027.

Reasons for the decision

The Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service is a critical jointly funded health and care service that supports hospital discharge, admission avoidance, rehabilitation and independence at home across North Yorkshire and York. It provides, delivers, collects, maintains, cleans and recycles equipment that supports people to remain safe and independent at home. This includes items such as beds, hoists, walking aids, bathing equipment and pressure care mattresses.

Approval has been given to award the contract to Medequip Assistive Technology Limited through a Direct Award under the KCS Procurement Services Integrated Community Care Equipment and Associated Services Framework Y24008. This is considered the most proportionate, deliverable and low-risk procurement route available to maintain service continuity, and support service improvement through a strengthened specification, enhanced performance framework and improved contract governance.

Alternative options considered

Procurement options considered and rejected were; a short-term Direct Award; an open procedure to procure a longer-term strategic partner; bringing the service in house and a longer-term Direct Award, through a compliant framework route.