Patient transport (Conveyance)

Location

Chester

Description

The service referral relates to an acute mental health presentation requiring urgent assessment. Presentation of patients include symptoms consistent with a current mental health episode (e.g. heightened distress, suicidal ideation, psychotic elements). The service is utilised when a situation requires timely access to specialist mental health assessment, but the patient does not require access to an ambulance (i.e. no immediate life-threatening physical health concerns identified).

Total Quantity or Scope

The service referral relates to an acute mental health presentation requiring urgent assessment. Presentation of patients include symptoms consistent with a current mental health episode (e.g. heightened distress, suicidal ideation, psychotic elements). The service is utilised when a situation requires timely access to specialist mental health assessment, but the patient does not require access to an ambulance (i.e. no immediate life-threatening physical health concerns identified). The service includes: • Trained mental health-competent staff • De-escalation and trauma-informed approaches • Risk-aware conveyance processes • Partnership working with NHS urgent and emergency care pathways The provider operates under robust clinical governance arrangements, including: • Safeguarding policies compliant with NHS standards • Risk assessment protocols • Incident reporting and quality assurance systems • Staff training in mental health crisis response • Provider is also CQC registered Over the coming months the service will be formally evaluated and future delivery model considered. Therefore, there is a need to extend this contract so there is no break in service for patients and avoid adding pressure on the emergency healthcare system. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 31st March 2026 to cwp.contracts@nhs.net. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR. There has been no substantial change to the nature or cost of the service delivered. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard with the weighting 100 Value of the Contract - £531,651 The Service is intended to be provided; 01/04/2026 to 31/07/2026

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85112000 - Hospital support services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by 31st March 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.