Health and social work services

Description

As part of the NHS England planning guidance released in February 2018, requirements for Improving Access schemes were brought forward from 31.3.2019 to 1.10.2018. This required the provision of extended access to GP services, including at evenings and weekends, for 100 % of the CCG population by the October deadline. Access was required to be available during peak times of demand, including bank holidays and across the Easter, Christmas and New Year periods. The CCG is moving forward with an 18 month pilot with the identified provider. The CCG is now taking up its right to award the Improving Access Scheme to B&NES Enhanced Medical Services without recourse to further competition, with the service due to commence from 1.10.2018. As part of the NHS England planning guidance released in February 2018, requirements for Improving Access schemes were brought forward from 31.3.2019 to 1.10.2018. This required the provision of extended access to GP services, including at evenings and weekends, for 100 % of the CCG population by the October deadline. Access was required to be available during peak times of demand, including bank holidays and across the Easter, Christmas and New Year periods. The BaNES CCG Improving Access plan and scheme development has been constructed with support and input from all GP Practices, local public voice groups (Your Health, Your Voice), Wessex LMC and others during the period from May to December 2017. The underlying principles of the BaNES scheme is to seek a phased rollout to minimise: — destabilising Integrated Urgent Care mobilisation from May 2018, drawing from similar staffing pool, particularly during the first winter period, — diversion or distraction from existing schemes with similar aims (Extended Hours / Winter Pressures Urgent Care Escalation / Early Home Visiting), — confusion for public and health / social care community staff over navigating / accessing appropriate services at the evenings or weekends (links with 111), — duplication of local services where there is limited evidence for additional demand. A key aspect of the approach and change in timescales nationally has been the need to support winter planning. Locally, the CCG wishes to avoid destabilising other services, such as those mobilised as part of the Integrated Care procurement. The identified provider has demonstrable and locally unique experience of working with GP practices, Urgent Care Centre and IT solutions for appointment booking. Therefore this would provide a balanced and prudent approach prior to formal procurement. 18 months is proportionate period, offering stability and is the appropriate length to test and refine the model, ensuring the approach to procurement is based on robust evidence. Given the above, the CCG is moving forward with an 18 month pilot with the identified provider. The CCG is now taking up its right to award the Improving Access Scheme to B&NES Enhanced Medical Services without recourse to further competition, with the service due to commence from 1.10.2018. The values of the contract are subject to NHS England funding and the size of the weighted population, which is subject to change outside of the control of the CCG. The anticipated funding is as identified within this notice over the 18 month period. This process is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West CSU (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.