RESTORING RAPID ACCESS: FAST TRACK MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ACROSS THE VALE

Description

The Central, Western, and Eastern Vale clusters of Cardiff and Vale UHB seek to reinstate the Mental Health Fast Track Pathway, to provide rapid assessment within 24 hours and targeted support for urgent cases. Lot 1: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board intends to procure a service to provide rapid mental health assessment and short-term support for patients across the Central, Western, and Eastern Vale clusters for a period of two years. The service will deliver urgent assessments within 24 hours of referral, offer up to 6–8 one-to-one sessions per patient, and integrate social prescribing to support holistic care. It will handle up to 87 referrals per month (approximately 1,041 patients annually), using existing referral mechanisms to maintain continuity and reduce pressure on primary care. Performance will be monitored through quarterly reporting on referral volumes, timeliness, DNA rates, and social prescribing outcomes, with a target of 95% of assessments completed within 24 hours. The aim is to provide timely, cost-effective mental health support in the community, prevent escalation of need, and improve patient outcomes. This notice is an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process. This a new service with an existing provider. The contract is for a period of 2 years commencing on 01 January 2026 to 31st December 2027.