NHS South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (SNCCG) will be holding a Market Engagement event on Wednesday 2nd March 2016 to brief potential providers on the scope of this Procurement.

The purpose of the event will be to discuss with providers in South Norfolk CCG boundary (or very close to the boundary) our high-level plans and proposals, and use the knowledge of the market to help inform parts of the service specification.

The CCG is keen to hear from prospective providers thoughts and ideas on the potential service model.

The procurement process timetable will also be shared at this stage.

Overview of Service Requirement: The Intermediate Care (Procured) Bed Service for South Norfolk CCG will provide rehabilitation and/or intermediate care for people who are considered unsafe to remain in or return to their own homes but who would have the capacity to live independently within their own home if provided with suitable interim support; i.e., it will help prevent frail older people transferring to long-term care directly from an acute hospital.

The Procured Beds shall provide step-down care from acute hospitals and step-up care from the patients’ usual place of residence; i.e., to provide early supported discharge and an alternative to hospital admission.

Further assessment and rehabilitation of older people will be a key element of the provision.

This service is in addition to the existing NHS-run Intermediate Care services (“community hospitals”).

People admitted to a Procured Bed should move through the system as efficiently and safely as possible, with the expected duration of placements being for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

If it is appropriate for the patient to move to other services or self-fund before this period has elapsed then this should be acted upon in a timely manner.