Hospital Discharge Support Workers

Concepts

• cardiff
• community health
• nhs wales
• nhs wales shared services partnership
• hospital discharge support workers
• services partnership
• behalf of cardiff
• year
• local health board
• vale university

Location

Cardiff

Description

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership wish to inform the market that they intend to award a contract for hospital discharge support workers.

Total Quantity or Scope

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, on behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board wish to inform the market that they intend to award a one year with one year extension contract for hospital discharge support workers.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 85323000 - Community health services

Indicators

Legal Justification

As part of the winter pressure strategy, the Health Board has allocated funding to engage hospital discharge support workers who will work to; - accept referrals for those patients needing a residential or nursing home placement in the Cardiff or Vale of Glamorgan area. - provide practical assistance (including transport) to enable older people and/or their carers to visit homes and make an informed choice. Continue to keep contact with service users, social workers and health professionals until placement is completed. - respond to requests for advice, information and support from patients, carers and families with regard to residential and nursing home placements. - keep up to date with procedures on Protection of Vulnerable Adults and respond accordingly to reports of alleged abuse - provide a range of information and advice on other sources of help where necessary and liaise appropriately with other statutory and voluntary services. - provide active signposting to other statutory and voluntary services - keep in touch with developments and information about residential and nursing home care both locally and nationally in order to inform the ongoing development of the service The Discharge Support Officer role has grown significantly and is now providing support to the majority of wards both at UHL and UHW sites. The function undertaken by the Discharge Support Officers is complex in nature and requires a level of skill and knowledge that is gained by practical experience. It has taken some time for the required level of expertise to be gained via the pilot scheme. It is unlikely that the level of knowledge, familiarity of surroundings, relationships with ward Teams, UHB processes and required experience, would be sufficiently developed to be productive via a new provider, within the time frame of the proposed 1 year contract. The contract requires a degree of flexibility from the workforce, in response to service requirements, which can only be met if individuals are experienced and knowledgeable in the requirements of the service. Age Connects has an existing network of contacts within the third sector and has developed excellent working relations with colleagues in the UHB board. Based on the above, the Health Board is applying a 10 day standstill period prior to awarding a one year contract with an option to extend for a further year.

Other Information

(WA Ref:109103)