Mental Health Crisis Beds (Cheshire East)

ECHC has been Contracted to provide this service since 31st March 2024 when funding was made available form the ICB for Crisis Bed provision within the East Cheshire Footprint There are plans to go out to tender of this service within this financial year. As this procurement exercise will take time there is a need to extend this current contract so there is no break and we can maintain continuity of care for patients.

The Trust recommendation is that the contract with the provider is extended as all outcomes and contractual obligations are currently being met and achieved. The provider has established and is maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and other providers of mental health care.

This includes the Trust First Response teams such as Home Treatment Team, and Crisis Line who regularly refer patients to the service. The service offers referrals from the Crisis Home and Treatment team and from patients in Crisis at A&E.

The provider complies with the Mental Health Act 1983 and Code of Practice and is CQC registered and integrated within local crisis pathways. The service provides: • Safe and compliant observation • 24/7 staffing cover where required • Close working with Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), Section 12 doctors, police, and acute trusts • The service operates in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983 The workforce is trained in: • crisis management • prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA) • trauma-informed care • safeguarding (adult and child where applicable) No financial concerns re. the provider.

The service also requires regular contract management meetings to review and triangulate any incidents. CWP are able to identify provider specific incidents via the DATIX system.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice.

This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under Direct Award C. There has been no substantial change to the nature or cost of the service delivered. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard with the weighting 100 Approximate Lifetime Value of the Contract - £165,626 The Service is intended to be provided; 01/04/2026 to 31/03/2027