Consideration has been given to a new contractual framework for St Oswald’s Hospice from 1 January 2023 for the provision of short breaks for complex needs.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the market testing, contractual development, and tender exemption context as set out in the report be noted.

(ii)

That the direct award of a three-year contract to St Oswald’s Hospice for the provision of Short Breaks for Complex Needs from 1 January 2023 and on the basis set out in the report be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

The supplier is providing a much needed regulated activity under the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and the Regulations, for a particularly vulnerable client group.

(B)

Soft Market Testing and regional intelligence clearly confirms that there is no competitive market for this service in the region. St Oswald’s Hospice is therefore the only option to provide this provision for children and their families.