Seasonal Beds

There is an ever increasing demand on hospital services as population growth and co morbidity increases. Evidence shows that many patients would actually recover quicker out of a hospital setting after their acuity has been managed and they are medically fit for discharge. However, due to delays in the system, plus a lack of options for the patient on discharge, many patients remain in an acute bed unnecessarily.

In Surrey Downs CCG, Epsom and St Hellier as well as KHT and SASH hospitals support most local acute activity and are seen as important partners for both Surrey Downs CCG and the local population.

To ensure patient outcomes are achieved and capacity and demand within the acute system is managed appropriately there is an identified need to provide Continuing Healthcare step down beds in the community at times of system stress.

To ease the pressure on the system and to support improved patient outcomes, the beds will allow for patients classified as medically fit to be discharged from hospital to a more appropriate environment to complete assessment and support recovery. It is anticipated that the beds will be available from registered care homes with nursing, including those care homes with nursing who are registered EMI.

This service specification sets out the requirements for the provision of this service over a 12 month period to commence from 1st November 2015.

The step down beds will provide additional capacity option for patients in need of further assessment under consideration for Continuing Healthcare. Access to a step down bed will be through a positive Continuing Healthcare Checklist assessment to be completed in the acute setting.

The service will be provided via a NHS framework agreement for spot purchase beds to be available throughout the year to support seasonal pressures, however the main occupancy will be between the months of November – February where the local health.

This service is to be provided for Surrey Downs CCG and their patients

Surrey Downs CCG expects to procure an unspecified number of providers as part of the Framework within the geographical area of Surrey Downs, with the expectation that service users will not be disadvantaged by distance but assessed under the Framework if registered with a Surrey Downs CCG GP.

The seasonal beds will be required to provide short-term stay beds following patients discharge from the acute services prior to arranging a longer term package of care, or returning to their previous level of independence.

The Framework agreement will include a contract between Surrey Downs CCG and the provider to deliver services as per this service specification when a bed is required, but will not involve a block contract or guarantee of funding or placements.