Minutes:
Chrissy Wright submitted proposals for the preferred option for an organisational model for Rotherham’s HealthWatch.
Local authorities were responsible for commissioning and procuring an efficient and effective Local HealthWatch organisation by 1st April, 2013. It was intended that a formal procurement approach be undertaken given the range of functions for HealthWatch.
Once the preferred provider had been appointed, the annual programme of work would be developed in partnership with Health Watch Rotherham (HWR) in line with the Health and Wellbeing Board priorities.
The options for the organisational model were:-
1. a contract with the 1 provider to deliver all HealthWatch functions – this could be a social enterprise
2 a contract with the 1 provider who may sub-contract to other organisations to deliver certain elements of HealthWatch – this could be a social enterprise
3. a contract with a consortium arrangement who had experience of providing specialist functions
4. a contract with a number of different providers with specialist knowledge but they were required to work in partnership to deliver the local HealthWatch brand
5. a contract with a specific provider. This could be LINks (grant in aid could be provided) or a group of other people within the community
The benefits of working with 1 provider, as per either option 1 or 2, were improved partnership working, customers able to access 1 provider easily and ease of contract monitoring and management.
The report also set out a detailed timeline for the commissioning of HealthWatch Rotherham.
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 included the provision that the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service must be commissioned by the local authority, either as part of the specification or the local HealthWatch contract, or as a separate contract with another organisation. The proposals were currently being discussed with NHSR.
Discussion ensued on the report:-
- Disappointment expressed at the delay in the implementation date. It was hoped that once the contract had been awarded that Rotherham may be able to accelerate the start date
- Rotherham was ahead of others in the region in setting up HealthWatch
- The tendering process must meet EU procurement rules in terms of the timeline for evaluation and awarding of the contract
- Desire for it to be driven by raising the consumer and patient voice improving the experience of patients and service users
- Consultation was to take place with key stakeholders on the model and specification
- Specification would include voice and influence of children and young people
- Possible TUPE implications – to be built into the tendering process
Agreed:- (1) That the Board’s preferred organisational model options be 1 and 2.
(2) That a further report be submitted once the consultation on the organisational model and specification had been completed.
(3) That the Board supports the inclusion of the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service and that a further report be submitted thereon.
(4) That the minimum and maximum level of funding available and activities set out in the action plan be noted.
(5) That the Board supports the commencement of Rotherham HealthWatch as soon as practicable.