Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Well-Being considered the report which sought seek authorisation for a direct contract award under Contract Standing Order 16.02 in line with CSO 9.01.2 (g), negotiation without publication of an advertisement, to Magicare Ltd T/A Priscilla Wakefield House for the provision of 8 Intermediate Care Nursing beds.

The report also detailed the Council’s requirement for Nursing Intermediate Care provision and demonstrated that these specialist nursing beds were an essential element of Haringey’s intermediate care pathway, which is made up of a range of integrated care services that aim to support residents at risk of an unnecessary hospital admission and to support patients to increase their independence following hospital admission.

The Cabinet Member enquired whether alternative providers had been considered. The Commissioning Officer noted that this had been considered but highlighted that Priscilla Wakefield House, run by Magicare Ltd, was currently the only Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered nursing care home in the borough and that in-borough delivery of the service was key for the patients and their families. It was added that the beds were supported by a dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) which also operated from Priscilla Wakefield House. It was noted that, if there were to be a tender, this would be open to bids from out of borough and it was considered that, given the key role of the MDT, this would impact on the viability of the bids.

In relation to queries about staffing pay and conditions, the Commissioning Officer noted that Priscilla Wakefield House currently offered the National Living Wage and officers were working with the provider to move towards the London Living Wage. It was noted that it was aimed to phase this process in order to ensure that it was sustainable. It was added that there was currently an increased degree of uncertainty, including fuel costs, and so the phased approach was considered the most appropriate and deliverable option.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1.    Pursuant to CSOs 9.07.1(d and e) and 16.02, to approve the award of contract to Magicare Ltd for the provision of eight (8) Nursing Intermediate Care Service beds for a period of three (3) years, from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025 with the option to extend for up to two (2) years, up to a maximum contract value of £2,288,000.

2.    To give delegated authority to the Director of Adults and Health to agree the final sum for the service within the upper limit referred to above.

Reasons for decision

Evidence from the 2015 National Audit of Intermediate Care shows that intermediate care services are key to reducing the financial, quality and activity pressures being experienced in secondary care and the social care sector.

There is a very limited market for nursing beds in the local area. Priscilla Wakefield House (PWH), run by Magicare Ltd, is currently the only Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered nursing care home in the borough with a bed base of 117 Nursing beds.

The award of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 170