Wheelchair Service

NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board are undertaking a procurement process and are inviting suitably qualified and experienced providers to bid for a Wheelchair service.

The anticipated contract duration will be for an initial period of 5 years with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years as required.

The service is a Schedule 3 Service and is being procured under the Light Touch Regime(LTR) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

The service is for the provision of a holistic wheelchair service, from assessment to the supply and maintenance of wheelchairs and associated equipment. The service is for the provision of wheelchairs on a long-term basis (greater than six months).

It is recognised that as a clinical service, the Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service (KMWCS) priority is on meeting peoples clinical and health needs within the current resources. However, the service will also need to take into account the social model of disability, particularly where this impacts on an individual's ability to sustain vital functions of independence in the areas of education, work and family responsibilities. The service should work with other partners/ organisations to develop a holistic approach to meeting people's wider wellbeing needs and this should be an integral part of the Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB) approach.

The key objectives of the Procurement is to procure a service which:

• Provides a high-quality service with minimal waiting times,
• Is person centred and maximises positive outcomes for service users,
• Offers an equitable and responsive service,
• Delivers good value for money,
• Develops cost effective innovation that adds value to the service,
• Supports flexible and innovative budgeting and funding pathways i.e. Personal Wheelchair Budgets,
• Reduces Kent and Medway ICB carbon footprint and supports the NHS Green Agenda.