Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Director of Public Health

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Public Health which sought approval for a three month extension of the current residential detoxification service contract which expires on 31 March 2016 and the commencement of a procurement exercise for a substance misuse detoxification service.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       approval be given to the waiver of the contract procedure rules and to a maximum of a three month extension to the existing contract with Mersey Care from the 1April 2016 until 30 June 2016 for the delivery of the residential substance misuse detoxification service with the same terms and conditions;

(2)       the Interim Director of Public Health be authorised to conduct an OJEU Light-Touch Regime tender exercise for a substance misuse detoxification service to run for a period of three years from 1July 2016 with the option of two further one-year extensions; and

(3)       the Interim Director of Public Health and Chief Finance Officer be given delegated authority to award the contract to the highest scoring bidder(s) subject to financial sustainability.

Reasons for Decision:

Detoxification services are a critical part of any substance misuse treatment system. As part of this system, Sefton Council commissions residential detoxification services for individuals wishing to realise a drug and/or alcohol-free life, but whose physical or mental ill health, family or social circumstances makes it unlikely that the person is able to realise this goal in a community setting. This is commissioned from Mersey Care NHS Trust. Community detoxification is part of the substance misuse treatment service commissioned from Lifeline.

The current contract for residential detoxification services expires on 31March 2016 and has an annual value of £510,522.

A review of the balance between residential and community detoxification services could potentially lead to efficiencies and a more effective and sustainable service for Sefton residents.

The procurement process would be required to follow an OJEU Light-Touch Regime Open Procedure. The value of the total contract requires Cabinet authorisation and delegation to a Chief Officer to award the contract at the end of the tender process.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The implications of carrying out a quicker procurement exercise with new service contract from 1April 2016 would be:

• The service review would not fully explore alternatives to the current model and potential efficiencies from changing the balance between residential and community detoxification services

• Opportunity to improve the service, gain cost efficiencies and add value would be lost
• Within the contract period substantial changes to the model may be required, as evidence comes to light on best, efficient and effective models, resulting in substantial contract variation and potential withdrawal/termination by the provider.
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The implications of deciding not to procure substance misuse residential detoxification services would be:

• Reputational and financial risk to the authority by the potential failure to perform its statutory duty to deliver public health services for substance misuse individuals, through a missing element of an integrated treatment system
• The most vulnerable and at risk would be denied the opportunity to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48