Decision details

Local Healthwatch and Independent Complaints Advocacy Service Award of Contract OKD34 19/20

Decision Maker: Director of Public Health (Alison Challenger)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The Local Healthwatch (LHW) service is the local ‘Consumer Champion’ for all NHS and Social Care services and is supported by the national body, Healthwatch England (HWE) part of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The service’s purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. Local authorities have a duty under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act (2012) to ensure that an effective local Healthwatch and Independent Complaints Advocacy service is operating in their area delivering the activities set out in the legislation. 

 

The Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS) is a client-centred, flexible service which supports anyone who wishes to resolve a complaint about healthcare commissioned and/or provided by the NHS in England.

 

Following decision by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health to commence a Procurement Process (report ref: AH9 19/20) from 1 April 2020 for a contract of up to 7 years duration at £342,600 per annum with a maximum total contract value of £2.549m, the Director of Public Health will award the contract to the bidder who has submitted the most economically advantageous tender.

 

Decision:

The Director of Public Health has approved the award of the contract for the Local Healthwatch and Independent Complaints Advocacy Service in West Sussex for an initial period of five (5) years commencing 1st April 2020. The contract includes the option to extend for up to two further years, if delivery and performance of the contract are satisfactory.

 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Publication date: 10/02/2020

Date of decision: 10/02/2020

Effective from: 20/02/2020

Accompanying Documents: