External Facilitation and Engagement Services for Primary Care Transformation

Primary Care services within Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) are delivered through a network of GP surgeries, community pharmacies, dental practices, optometrists, and community teams. These services are organised into seven Primary Care Clusters, bringing together a wide range of professionals to meet the needs of local communities.

The overarching aim of Primary Care within HDUHB is to provide accessible, coordinated care that supports people to stay well, manage long-term conditions, and access the right care at the right time. Primary Care teams work closely with social care, voluntary sector organisations, and other partners to deliver services that are responsive to local needs and focused on improving health outcomes.

HDUHB is currently at a key stage in its strategic development. This follows a comprehensive programme of stakeholder engagement, a review of national and international best practice, and an assessment of current challenges facing Primary Care and Community Services.

Following a mid-point review of this programme, it has been identified that engaging external facilitation and engagement services would add significant value. An external provider would offer an impartial perspective, support improvements in organisational culture and partnership working, and augment internal capacity to lead the conversations required to deliver meaningful and timely transformational change.

Purpose of the Pre-Engagement

As part of the development of the specification for this service, HDUHB wishes to engage with potential providers to:

• Provide context and background to the proposed service
• Test and refine the proposed service model and scope
• Inform the future tender documentation and procurement approach

This pre-engagement is not a call for competition but an opportunity for interested and suitably experienced providers to help shape the future service.

Scope of Requirement (Indicative)

The external facilitation service is expected to support engagement, improve the culture and partnership working between the Health Board and its Primary Care service providers – both internal and external -that will support the development of actionable, cluster-based strategic plans.

Target Audience for Engagement

• HDUHB operational teams
• Primary Care contractors
• HDUHB senior leadership team
• Previously engaged stakeholders (as appropriate)

Expected Outcomes

The service is expected to deliver:

• Improved culture and working practices across Primary Care contractors, Community Services, and Secondary Care
• A robust Governance Plan supporting delivery of the Cluster-based Action Plans, including:

o Partnership and organisational structures

o Financial delegation arrangements

o Alignment with existing Health Board governance and structures

HDUHB welcomes expressions of interest from organisations with relevant expertise, skills, and experience in external facilitation, organisational development, partnership working, and health system transformation.