Decision details

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has a contract with NRS Healthcare for the provision of Community Equipment Services. Community equipment (such as beds, chairs, perching stools and mattresses) is widely recognised as a cost-effective method of meeting eligible social care need and evidence suggests it is also effective in preventing, reducing and delaying the need for ongoing care, reducing unplanned admissions and enabling people to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

The existing service expires on 31st March 2023. It is led and managed, via section 75 agreement, between West Sussex County Council and West Sussex CCG on behalf of the health and social care system. The annual cost, currently budgeted between £9-10 million, is split almost equitably between Health and Social Care. All equipment is prescribed by a range of professionals and attributable cost of each piece depends on circumstances, such as the location of the customer and the type of equipment.

Following the decision taken to re-commission, to provide an all age countywide Integrated Community Equipment Service, it is proposed that once the tender process is complete the Director of Adults and Health will be asked to award the contract to the most economically advantageous bidder.

The Director of Adults and Health has approved the award of the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) contract to Millbrook Healthcare for an initial period of five (5) years commencing 1 April 2023, with the option to extend for up to two (2) further years if delivery and performance of the contract are satisfactory.

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