Provision of Residential and Nursing Care for Older People (Aged 65+)

Medway Council ('The Council') is establishing an open framework for the delivery of Residential and Nursing Care Home Services for Older People aged 65 and over. The Council is inviting suitably qualified and experienced providers of care homes in Medway and Kent to apply for admission to this framework.

The Care Act requires local authorities to provide high quality care and support services to help vulnerable people to live their day-to-day life.

A residential care home provides accommodation and 24-hour care and support to people who find it difficult to manage activities of daily living at home. The purpose of a residential care home is to ensure people who cannot live independently are well looked after and continue to lead meaningful lives. This typically includes help with washing, dressing, toileting, administering medication and mobility.

In addition to the services offered at a residential care home, a nursing care home will provide 24-hour care and support to residents, plus additional support from a qualified nurse to support with more complex conditions and medical needs.

Providers must demonstrate:

•Person-centred care and support that promotes independence and holistic wellbeing – physical, emotional, and social

•Skilled and suitably qualified staff to meet residents’ needs

•Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration with robust evidence of quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of care

•Well maintained living environments that support residents’ needs and provide comfort, safety, and dignity

The services are divided into lots / sub-lots which are split between Residential Care and Nursing Care set out below:

•Lot 1A: Residential Standard

•Lot 1B: Residential Enhanced

•Lot 2A: Nursing Standard

•Lot 2B: Nursing Enhanced

•Lot 3: Highly Specialised Care (Residential and Nursing Care)

Providers can apply for one or more Lots. The Council is seeking to have multiple providers for each Lot on the framework. There is no limit on the number of providers who can participate on a Lot.

The Services under this Medway Framework are 'Light Touch' and are governed by the rules relating to Light Touch Contracts under the Procurement Act 2023.

The Council anticipates re-opening the Framework at the following points:

• Once during the period of 3 years from award of the first Framework under this scheme (September 2027), and
• Three times in the remaining 5-year framework term (April 2030, April 2032, May 2034)

The Council reserves the right to adjust the indicative reopening schedule above in response to operational factors. Such factors may include but are not limited to:

• Supply and demand changes
• Allowing sufficient competition
• Changes to pricing structures
• Changes due to impact of Local Government Re-organisation

Further details can be found in the tender documents available from https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk where applications to join the framework must be made.