Activity-based Bed Use for Cheshire and Merseyside adult secure patients

Activity‑based commissioning of NHS secure inpatient beds, reimbursed on a cost‑per‑case (occupied bed day) basis, including core clinical treatment within the agreed bed day rate, with additional elements managed in line with contract pricing schedules. The contract is for the provision of adult secure mental health and learning disability and/or autism services for patients from Cheshire and Merseyside, delivered in line with nationally agreed NHS contracts and service specifications.

The service includes the provision of secure inpatient care tailored to individual patient need, supporting assessment, treatment, recovery and progression through the secure care pathway. Services are commissioned on a cost-per-case basis, enabling flexibility to respond to changes in demand and patient acuity, and supporting timely access to appropriate placements.

The Authority intends to award a contract to the existing provider, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, following Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The contract will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The approximate total lifetime value of the contract is £0.01.