Step Down Beds Framework - NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) invited expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers D2A Step-down ("the service"), to be delivered across the population of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

An advert (ref: 20220718173249-68205) was published on this Contracts Finder portal and a Contract Notice (ref: 2022/S 000-019588) on the Find-a-Tender Service portal was published on 18th July 2022 for this opportunity.

The aim of commissioning step down beds was to provide a community bed for patients who have had an acute inpatient episode, but who are not yet ready to go home, and who need a period of recuperation and recovery. This cohort also includes people who may require a residential long-term placement. This may be because they need a further period of recovery before being able to engage in active rehabilitation; they may need some additional rehabilitation therapy before being able to return home: or it may be that they have yet to complete their Continuing Healthcare or Social Care Assessments for their long-term care needs prior to discharge home or to a long-term placement.

Contracts are awarded on a framework agreement with multiple providers. The total number of providers within the framework is based on the capacity of providers however it was expected to be between 10-15 based on the minimum capacity levels identified. Providers are able to supply beds across multiple sites and localities however each site must meet the required minimum capacity levels.

The contract is for an initial period of 3 years from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2026, with an option to extend for up to a further two years until 31st March 2028 at the discretion of the commissioner. It is important to note here that the contract value and activity levels were derived based on past experience. There is no guarantee that they will remain at these levels in the future. They may increase or decrease. The actual contract value and activity levels may differ during the period of service provision due to factors beyond the Commissioner'(s) control such as increase/decrease in population of the local area, closure of other nearby NHS health organisations due to unforeseen reasons, patient's experience/preference etc.

The Commissioner reserves the right to open future windows at their discretion for additional providers if increased capacity is required. These windows may be opened at any time subject to the need and discretion of the Commissioner.