Highly Specialist Speech and Language Assessment

Location

Whitlingham Ward Secure Unit, Norwich

Description

temporary arrangement to purchase private highly specialist dysphagia assessment to a clinically at-risk individual in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Locality

Total Quantity or Scope

Service users admitted to our inpatient facilities do not have access to Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) services due to a commissioning gap. As a result, when a dysphagia need is identified, service users are unable to receive a comprehensive assessment, which poses a clinical risk. The absence of appropriate assessment increases the potential that a choking incident could occur, potentially resulting in serious harm if dysphagia needs are not adequately addressed. Whilst a longer-term solution is explored this urgent contract has been awarded to avoid serious harm

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85100000 - Health services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

all peer organisations and system partners declined to offer any support citing lack of capacity and skill mix in the teams. This is a high-risk case requiring a one-off single assessment. In this case we are required to act rapidly to address immediate risks to safety and quality of care. Delaying the award of the contract to conduct a full application of the PSR would be likely to pose a risk to patient safety