Stroke Support Service (Life after Stroke) for NHS Mid and South Essex ICB

This is a Contract Award Notice to communicate a contract award made by the Authority, NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, (hereinafter referred to as "the Authority") in compliance with their local standing financial instructions (SFIs).

This Contract Award is made by the Authority to the Stroke Association for the provision of stroke support services (Life after Stroke services) within the Mid and South Essex geographical footprint.

The contract duration is for 18 months from 01st April 2023 until 30th September 2024.

The aggregate contract value is £266,632.00.

The aim of the Stroke Association Service is to provide and coordinate the long-term personalised support that people affected by stroke need to rebuild their lives by enhancing quality of life, increasing social and emotional wellbeing and to prevent further strokes.

The Life After Stroke service will provide practical and emotional support to all new stroke survivors and their families/carers, usually up to 12 months post stroke.

The service will work in an integrated way with health, social and voluntary sector Providers across the system.

The Department of Health National Stroke Strategy (2007) emphasises the need for information to be provided to stroke survivors and their carers, along with support and advice to understand their condition.

The impact of a stroke can often last a lifetime and it is critical that people affected receive support in the long-term to ensure they can lead the best possible life.

The Stroke Association ensures that people receive the vital input and support they need following a stroke.

A third of stroke survivors say that they feel abandoned upon leaving hospital and half report not receiving enough support when they need it.

This will be a future focus area for the Stewardship Group.

Concerning social impacts, a UK survey (McKevitt, 2011) of self-reported outcomes after stroke found that 52% of stroke survivors experienced a negative change in work activity, 67% a change for the worse in relation to leisure activities or interests, 18% a loss of income, 31% an increase in expenses, and 42% a negative impact on the relationship with their partner.

Over half of respondents also reported needing more information about stroke, including diet, applying for benefits, aids and adaptations to the home and driving.

It is critical that people affected by stroke receive the support they need in the long-term to rebuild their lives and lead the best life possible.

The Stroke Recovery Service ensures that people affected by stroke receive the vital input and support they need.

The Authority is publishing this Contract Award Notice in the Contracts Finder in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended by The Public Procurement (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020) for spend above £30,000.