Mental Health Practitioners in PCN’s and SMI Health Checks

Location

Mid Essex

Description

NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award a contract for the provision of Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) in Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Physical Health Check services to the existing provider, Vita Health Group, following Direct Award Process C under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. NHS Essex Integrated Care Board, acting as the Relevant Authority, is commissioning these services to support adults with complex mental health needs who are not suitable for Talking Therapies, providing access to a range of interventions including personalised and trauma-informed care, psychological support, medicines management, and coordinated care. The SMI service ensures individuals receive an annual physical health check, appropriate follow-up, and access to interventions to improve their physical health outcomes. Further details can be found at II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Total Quantity or Scope

The Authority intends to award this contract via Direct Award Process C under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023 do not apply. NHS Essex Integrated Care Board is the Relevant Authority undertaking this process. The services comprise the provision of Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Physical Health Check services. These services support adults with complex mental health needs who are not suitable for Talking Therapies provision, delivering a range of interventions including personalised and trauma-informed care, psychological support, medicines management and coordinated care. The SMI service ensures that individuals with severe mental illness receive an annual physical health check, appropriate follow-up, and access to interventions to improve physical health outcomes. The provider is an existing provider of these services to NHS Essex Integrated Care Board and has demonstrated their ability to deliver the services to the required standard, following assessment against the five key Provider Selection Regime criteria. The contract period is from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 with an option to extend for a further 12 months. The total contract value for the 2026/27 and 27/28 financial year is £797,194.00, comprising £398,597.00 for each year. The aggregate value is £797,194.00. The value is activity-dependent and may vary over the contract term.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85323000 - Community health services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

This is a Direct Award Process C intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight Thursday 18th June 2026. The contract has not yet formally been awarded, this notice serves as an intention to award under PSR. The Authority has undertaken an appropriate and proportionate review of declarations and is satisfied that effective arrangements are in place to identify and manage any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. Where relevant, mitigation measures have been applied to ensure that no conflict is capable of conferring any undue advantage or disadvantage. On this basis, the Authority is satisfied that no conflict of interest has adversely affected, or is capable of adversely affecting, the integrity of the procurement. All five key criteria were utilised in determining the suitability and continuation of the provider. The criteria were applied with equal weighting, comprising: Quality and Innovation (20%) - The provider is currently delivering the existing contract and is satisfying the requirements of the service. Assessment against the specified criteria demonstrated that the provider meets the required standards, and it is expected that they will continue to deliver the service to a satisfactory standard under the new contract. Value (20%) - The provider has been assessed against the specified criteria and has demonstrated their ability to deliver the service in line with the current service delivery model and performance expectations. The contract value reflects an activity-based model, ensuring that payment aligns with the level of service delivered. Integration, Collaboration and Service Sustainability (20%) - The provider is an existing provider of Mental Health Practitioners in PCNs and SMI Health Checks services and is currently embedded within the system. Their continued delivery supports service continuity and integration across primary care and wider system partners, based on the established delivery model and performance. Improving Access, Reducing Health Inequalities and Facilitating Choice (20%) - The service provides access to a wide range of interventions, including personalised and trauma-informed care, psychological therapies, physical health checks, and medicine management. The SMI Health Checks element ensures that individuals with severe mental illness receive annual physical health checks, follow-up care, and support to access relevant interventions, improving access and addressing health inequalities. Social Value (20%) - The provider contributes to social value through partnership working across a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations, including NHS community services and primary care, which supports improved access to services. In addition, the provider utilises a local workforce, including both employed staff and volunteers, thereby contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of the local area. The assessment confirmed the provider is currently delivering the existing contract and is satisfying the requirements of the service. Assessment against the specified criteria demonstrated that the provider meets the required standards, and it is expected that they will continue to deliver the service to a satisfactory standard under the new contract.

Other Information

This is a Direct Award Process C intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight Thursday 18th June 2026. The contract has not yet formally been awarded, this notice serves as an intention to award under PSR. Written Representation should be sent to: cariad.burgess@attain.co.uk The Decision Maker for this award was NHS Essex ICB Executive Board based on the value and term of the contract.