URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7839

Decision Maker: Executive Director Resources and Partnerships (Stephan Van Aresden) & Executive Director Health and Social Care (Jenny Rollinson)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to seek approval in accordance with regulations 13(1)(a) and (4) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, to modify the contract with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for the Falls & Fracture Prevention Service contract as provided for within the existing contract at clause C1 by extending the term from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028.   This modification is justified as the requirements of regulations 13(1)(a) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 are met as follows:   the modification is unambiguously provided for in the contract or framework agreement documents (that is, the scope and nature of the potential change are detailed in the existing contract) and;   In accordance with Regulation 13(4), the Authority is obliged to publish a transparency notice (Appendix 1) as the following criteria are met:   ·       the modification is being justified under Regulation 13(1); ·       the modification is attributable to a decision of the relevant authority; ·       the cumulative change in the lifetime value of the contract or framework agreement is £500,000 or more

Content: The purpose of the report is to seek approval in accordance with regulations 13(1)(a) and (4) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, to modify the contract with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for the Falls & Fracture Prevention Service contract as provided for within the existing contract at clause C1 by extending the term from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028.   This modification is justified as the requirements of regulations 13(1)(a) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 are met as follows:   the modification is unambiguously provided for in the contract or framework agreement documents (that is, the scope and nature of the potential change are detailed in the existing contract) and;   In accordance with Regulation 13(4), the Authority is obliged to publish a transparency notice (Appendix 1) as the following criteria are met:   ·       the modification is being justified under Regulation 13(1); ·       the modification is attributable to a decision of the relevant authority; ·       the cumulative change in the lifetime value of the contract or framework agreement is £500,000 or more (i)             That, in accordance with regulation 13(1)(a) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, the contract with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for the Falls and Fracture Prevention Service be modified by extending the term as provided for within the existing contract at clause C1 from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028; and (ii)       That the Procurement Team be authorised to issue the relevant contract modification documentation including the publication, in accordance with regulation 13(4), of the transparency notice at Appendix 1 to the report. Do Nothing:  This option was considered and rejected as this would have a negative impact on existing and future service users. The service reduces the likelihood of falls within the local population. Falls can have serious consequences, particularly for frail and elderly people who may suffer from reduced mobility and independence, as well as incurring serious injuries arising from a fall. In addition to the costs to the individual, falls have a significant financial cost to both NHS and social care services.   Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender): This option was considered and rejected as there is provision within the existing contract to extend for 24 months from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028. The current provision of the Falls and Fracture Prevention Service delivered by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is good. The provider is performing well, and this is a valued service in the borough.   Deliver in house: This option was considered and rejected due to the service needing clinical expertise, skills and resources to deliver a Falls and Fracture Prevention service, which could not be undertaken within Council’s existing resources.  

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026