Decision details

Central London, West London, Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent, Barnet, Ealing and Hounslow NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are redesigning community wheelchair services for people of all ages who have a long-term need for mobility assistance.  Following a period of pre-consultation engagement, there will be a six week consultation starting mid-August 2015 to obtain views and achieve a mandate for the change. 

The Chairman introduced the report, which provided the Committee with an update on the North West London, Barnet and Brent Wheelchair Service redesign. 

The Chairman invited Garrett Turbett, Senior Business Planning & Commissioning Manager (Interim) at Barnet CCG, to the table.

Mr. Turbett informed the Committee that following the award of the contract to ADM Healthcare, the contract was now moving into mobilisation.  The Committee noted that the service re-design had involved service users, clinical advisors and the independent standards body for disability equipment and wheelchair services. 

The Committee noted the focus on getting the service right going forwards and also, on getting the right equipment at the right time for the user.  The Committee noted that the successful bidder, ADM Healthcare can provide a “Chair in a Day” which can be modified on the spot to make it suitable for the user.

The Committee noted that the contract would also include a breakdown service, so, if a user was out at any time with an issue, for example a puncture, the provider would provide a breakdown service for rescue at no extra charge. 

Mr. Turbett informed the Committee that the contract would go live on 1 July 2016 and that the project was on track. 

The Vice Chairman questioned the timescale for the delivery of the “Chair in a Day”.  Mr Turbett informed the Committee that it would vary because for example, motorised chairs will have a schedule of maintenance and that it wouldn’t be necessary for all service users to be provided with a new chair. 

A Member commented that there could be improvements in technology in future years and questioned if there would be money to pay for it, rather than bulk buying and having to use the same equipment for many years.  Mr. Turbett informed the Committee that the contract was for three years with the option to extend for two years, which is not too long.  Mr. Turbett also noted that it is in the provider’s interests to make sure that they are up to speed with wheelchair technology and that they work their contacts to make the best deals.

Responding to a question from a Member, Mr. Turbett informed the Committee that whilst you might expect a contract to be awarded on the basis of 70% importance on quality and 30% on financial consideration, this contract had been awarded on a basis of 90% quality, and 10% finance. 

RESOLVED that the Committee notes the contents of the report, the proposed direction of travel in relation to awarding the contract to the new provider and the required timescales.