NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group collectively known as NHS Northamptonshire CCGs are seeking a supplier for an Integrated Continuing Healthcare (ICHC) Service in Northamptonshire. The new ICHC model will be for a fully integrated end to end CHC service which will also include Individual Funding Requests (IFR) and Prior Approval.

The service provider, on behalf of the commissioners and any contractual obligations in relation to NHS Continuing Healthcare will:

— provide a service which meets the needs of all individuals for which the Northamptonshire CCGs have commissioning responsibility,

— provide a seamless service with the CCGs where neither the public nor any part of the NHS would perceive this function to be provided by a third party,

— provide the highest possible standards for quality both in individual/customer-facing services and ‘back office’ functions, demonstrating exemplary responses to patient and customer needs and delivery, commissioning, reviewing or managing of care,

— provide responsibility for the completion of all assessments and the associated administration activities related to the decision making process of eligibility for NHS CHC, FNC, Fast Track,

— provide responsibility for the administration and recording and record keeping of all applications and claims from receipt of referral to ratification of decision with the CCGs and the consequential action(s) arising from the CCGs determination(s),

— provide responsibility for maintaining and ensuring the complete, timely and accurate records are kept and maintained relating to funding decisions and the on-going provision of care,

— provide service functions with the objective of achieving the best value for public money (including proactive identification of quality, innovation, productivity and prevention (QIPP) opportunities) in addition to upholding the highest possible standards within the resources allowed,

— provide a service for all new referrals and all existing individuals to include eligibility assessments, package of care reviews and any alternative safe and effective care provision.

The contract will be for 3 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years.