Agenda item

The Chairman read out a statement that had been provided regarding the Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) and the commissioning arrangements for the continuity of service provision for patients registered with the practice. The procurement process had now been completed, with Penceat Medical Ltd the successful bidder.

The Chairman enquired as to who would be funding the remodelling of the commercial building at 10 Oaklands Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6DH. The Assistant Director of Primary Care and Commissioning, North Central London, Vanessa Piper, said that discussions were being held in relation to the capital costs, however the current proposal was for the cost of the alterations to be paid for by the landlord. The premises mobilisation to enable the practice to operate from the new site was due to be completed before the end of the year.

Members asked several questions regarding the shareholders of the company, including who the other shareholders, how many services they currently run and how long they had run these services for? Ms Piper advised that Mr Shih was the Chief Operating Officer and held the main contract for the services. Ms Piper said that Penceat Medical Ltd currently operated medical practices in Northwest and Southwest London. She was unable to provide answers to the other questions but agreed to get back to the Chairman. She advised that other aspects of the contract would all be thoroughly checked and scrutinised through the procurement process. She explained that robust performance and quality management had to be in place and that all those interested int the procurement had to complete a broad range of questions as part of the process. Ms Piper also explained that the CCG would monitor the delivery of the contract, using KPI’s every quarter and a quality performance review would be conducted annually.

Members asked for reassurance that the arrangements would be robust and quality services would be provided long-term. Members stressed that patients had been through a turbulent time and required good quality services, especially in an area where there was a particular public health need. The demographic of the practice would be different to other areas, with a wide range of health challenges and members wanted confidence that these could be delivered. Officers advised that the demographic and need of patients had been clearly indicated within the tender documentation and that all bidders for the contract had been required to demonstrate they could meet the required standard of health provision.

Collette Wood (JOB TITILE) said they understood the concerns of Members and that a thorough due diligence process would be followed. Ms Wood said the GP federation would ensure all governance processes were correctly adhered to and that the contract would be robust and clear, including within it a break clause every 5 years.

Members asked what type of questions were asked during the procurement process. Officers advised that they did not have this to hand but agreed to circulate the range of questions to the committee. However, they assured the committee that the questions were very stringent and addressed all the concerns that had been raised at this meeting.

Ms Piper advised that the CCG would aim to write to patients and shareholders in September 2021, once dates for the change of provider and relocation of the practice to the new site were confirmed.

RESOLVED that the committee:

-       Noted the update on the Alternative Provider Medical Services Cricklewood (APMS).

-       That further information requested by the committee would be circulated.