NHS SY ICB - Non Emergency Patient Transport Service

To provide Service Users who are eligible for transport will receive safe, timely, dignified and comfortable transport, without detriment to their medical condition. To ensure that service delivery is high quality, responsive, high performing, provides value for money, is environmentally efficient, considers sustainability and innovative in the use of information technology.

To provide a safe environment with suitable trained staff for Service Users to travel to their appointment. South Yorkshire ICB are intending to award a contract an existing provider following direct award process C.

The approximate value of the contract will be £322,672. The contract will run from 1st April 2025 to 30th September 2025.

Additional information: The key criteria that were used to make a decision, are: Key Criteria 1 - Quality & Innovation - Weighting 25%

There are no performance or quality issues with the First4Care Contract There have been no breach notices or remdial action plans against the contract

The provider meets with the commissioner on a quarterly basis to discuss performance and activity. The provider is continually reviewing performance and suggesting ways to make improvements in care delivery.

Key Criteria 2 - Value - Weighting 20% It is estimated that around £460 million is spent on NEPTS a year across England – at an average cost of around £38 per journey.

That represents about £1 in every £275 spent by the NHS, approximately the same as the total cost of radiotherapy. For people with a medical or severe mobility need, non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) provide an essential means to access the NHS, who otherwise might not be able to attend appointments of be discharged from hospital.

First4 Care is an independent provider of transport services and is flexible to take advantage of local workforce offering VfM for the system and employability of people in the local area. This is reflected in the 'Outstanding' CQC rating results, with the inspection stating that First4Care has an innovative staffing model, based on grassroot ownership, which empowered staff in decision making to drive quality and service.

There are currently no performance notices for any of the KPIs associated with the contract. The provider are willing to deliver the service at the current contract value.

The service cost value of service will not increase. CQC registered and inspected with the latest inspection being 31 May 2023.

First4Care have been rated as 'Good' in all areas and 'Outstanding' in the Well-led department. The service meets the agreed response times and treats patients with compassion and kindness, respects their privacy and dignity and takes account of their individual needs.

Key Criteria 3 - Integration, collaboration and service sustainability - Weighting 25% On average the Provider discharges a total of 11,268 patients per annum from Barnsley, Rotherham, and Doncaster hospitals, who otherwise would not be able to be discharged from hospital.

The Provider works collaboratively with system partners ensuring greater regional alignment to create a consistent minimum service offer for patients and acute trust partners- simpler interface, avoiding delays and confusion PTS Patient Charter explains the providers responsibilities and commitment to providing the highest quality service to SY patients.

It has been designed in conjunction with hospitals and other healthcare organisations and professionals in South Yorkshire. The provider has actively listened to patients, staff, volunteers, our SY communities and our healthcare partners to make sure their strategy is reflective of their views and expectations:

The provider has committed to deliver the most clinically appropriate response for every patient, whenever and where they need it. Provide care that is personalised, joined up and coordinated with the wider healthcare system, Deliver quality care that is evidence informed, person centred, safe and compassionate and provide support and care delivered by professional, kind and respectful staff.

Key Criteria 4 - Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice - Weighting 20% In South Yorkshire there is a population of 1.37 million, 18% of people aged 65 and over, 36.7% of people live in the bottom 20% of most deprived areas nationally. 16.9% belong to an ethnic minority, Prevalence of issues related to obesity and smoking, such as breathing problems, diabetes and heart disease

Key Criteria 5 - Social Value - Weighting 10% The provider utilises (where possible) the population from the locailty it is serving, which has increased employment, benefitting the local communty in terms of workforce and patients alike.

The provider has a commitment to reduce energy consumption by 10% in the next 2 years and is looking at electric fleet vehicles. Current Initiatives in line with the NHS Green Plan