Advocacy Support for Secure Services

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 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 31st March 2025. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.'

Representations should be sent to cwp.contracts@nhs.net

Disability Positive are able to provide statutory and general advocacy for the patients on secure wards who have complex needs. They have previously run several clinics on site which have been well received by patients and staff.

The patients build trust in the advocate, and it is important there is continuity of the service.

They have a proven track record of delivery exceptional services to patients in a secure unit and working around boundaries.

Quality & Innovation

Regular feedback from patients feel they provide a valuable service. DP join the ward in an informal setting, no appointments are required. Peer review carried out by another Trust and feedback was obtained and was scored positively about the advocacy service.

DP have provided posters around the ward with photos of the advocates so the personnel is familiar to the patients.. Cover for annual leave has been introduced to the ward so no strangers are introduced ad hoc, and there is a handover of the service.

Value

DP offer a wider range of advocacy services more than alternate providers particularly around finance & benefits.

A change of provider to this service would have an adverse effect to the patient on the wards as change is not managed easily by the patients. DP provide a dedicated advocate for the each of the two wards, where as previous provider there was only one advocate, so much better value for money, and much better patient experience.

Integration, collaboration and service sustainability- DP will support with phone calls and filling forms for patients are who are unable. They offer advice and help with practical tasks and influence change in government policy.

They advise on DP attend weekly patient meetings so are inclusive of the patient journey and any issues arising from the wards. DP provided a Interpreter to assist with a patient who required the service and their needs.

Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice-

DP attend weekly patient meetings so are inclusive of the patient journey and any issues arising from the wards. DP adapt to the patient and their needs, and their access to the service. Due to the vulnerability of the patient cohort DP adapt to each high risk patient. DP open up opportunities on ward as the patients cannot leave the ward.

Contract meeting with provider are productive and meaningful.

Social Value

DP values are to be representative, collaborative, trustworthy, positive ambitious. They are a disability confident leader, and a living wage employer. They host an annual event which collaborate with local community organisations to provide information to individuals on the services available. DP encourage staff and volunteers from people with lived experience of disability and long-term conditions.

The decision makers of the process were Head of Clinical Services & Head of Operations for Specialist Mental Health.

There are no known conflicts of interest or potential conflicts.