Issue - meetings

Frances Carroll declared a pecuniary interest and the Healthwatch Team left the meeting at this point and took no part in the discussion or decision.

Andrew Hagger, Health and Social Care Integration Manager, presented the report and explained that Healthwatch had a statutory place on the Board and was a key part of the local health and social care landscape.  National guidance sets out the key functions that Healthwatch must deliver and their role included being a consumer champion for users of health and social care services, signposting of residents to the correct service and collection of people’s views and experiences as part of the scrutiny of service provision.  The Council was required to commission a local Healthwatch organisation under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  The organisation that hosted or delivered the heathwatch function could of course change

Andrew explained the financial position and that the current Healthwatch contract was due to expire on 31 March 2017.  The recommended route for procurement of the service was the open procurement procedure for the award of a two-year contract from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019 with the option to extend for a further 1 (1+) year(s).  The Board noted the estimated cost of the contract and the set up costs.  The anticipated spend had been benchmarked across London and some efficiencies from bidders would be required to meet the funding available.  In addition, bids would be robustly tested against the framework.  Should Partners wish to participate in the process they should contact Andrew Hagger.

The details for the procurement strategy and estimated contact value were set out in the report.

The Board:

(i)  Agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of a contract for a local Healthwatch for Barking and Dagenham, in accordance with the strategy set out in the report; and

(ii)  Delegated authority to the Strategic Director Service Development and Integration, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member(s), the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Law and Governance, to conduct the procurement and enter into the contract and all other necessary or ancillary agreements with the successful bidder(s) in accordance with the strategy set out in the report.

Frances Carroll and the Healthwatch Team re-joined the Board.