Mental Health Practitioners and Physical Health Checks for Severe Mental Health Problems (SMI)

Urgent award notice under the Provider Selection Regime 2023 for the provision of Mental Health Practitioners in Primary Care Networks and Physical Health Checks for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Services for NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (herein referred to as 'the Authority'). The awarded contract is for the provision of Mental Health Practitioners in Primary Care Networks and Physical Health Checks for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Services comprises two (2) services: 1.

The provision of a Physical Health Check for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Service, aimed at improving mental health outcomes by monitoring and managing the physical health of individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI). The aim is early detection, prevention, and intervention to improve overall health outcomes. 2.

The provision of the Mental Health Practitioner in Primary Care Networks Service, which provides specialist mental health support within GP practices or primary care networks. They assess, triage, and manage mild to moderate mental health conditions, offering brief interventions, signposting to appropriate services, and working alongside GPs, social workers, and community teams to improve access to mental health care.

Urgent award notice under the Provider Selection Regime 2023 for the provision of Mental Health Practitioners in Primary Care Networks and Physical Health Checks for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Services for NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (herein referred to as 'the Authority'). The awarded contract is for the provision of Mental Health Practitioners in Primary Care Networks and Physical Health Checks for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Services comprises two (2) services: 1.

The provision of a Physical Health Check for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Service, aimed at improving mental health outcomes by monitoring and managing the physical health of individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI). The aim is early detection, prevention, and intervention to improve overall health outcomes. 2.

The provision of the Mental Health Practitioner in Primary Care Networks Service, which provides specialist mental health support within GP practices or primary care networks. They assess, triage, and manage mild to moderate mental health conditions, offering brief interventions, signposting to appropriate services, and working alongside GPs, social workers, and community teams to improve access to mental health care.

This contract is being awarded on an urgent basis due to the abandoned Most Suitable Provider (MSP) procurement process (Notice Number 2025/S 000-003056, Notice Reference 2025-040279) necessitating the continuation of services with the current provider to avoid disruption. A delay in awarding this contract through standard procurement routes would have led to a service gap, negatively impacting service users by increasing waiting times and deteriorating mental health conditions.

Due to urgent circumstances, the Authority has awarded a 12 month contract to incumbent provider: Vita Health Group The contract period is for a total of 12 months from 01st April 2025 - 31st March 2026. The total aggregate contract value is estimated at £722,703.00