Integrated Clinical Mobility Service (Wheelchairs and Orthotics) in Northamptonshire

Provision of a countywide all age integrated high quality, responsive and safe orthotics, wheelchair and posture service that maximises mobility and independence through timely access to both initial assessment and review of individual need, including the provision, and ongoing repair or maintenance where required, of appropriate clinically identified equipment.

An all age countywide integrated orthotics, wheelchair and posture service that improves the quality of life for service users and their carers, is responsive to changes in service users' health conditions and is recognised by service users to be a good experience.

The Provider must have agreed protocols and standards for services that include:

• Delivery of services in line with professional guidance and national best practice
• Providing a timely, safe, high-quality service that meets service users' needs
• Providing personalised, timely, coordinated services delivered closer to home where it is reasonable to do so
• Access to self-referral where appropriate
• Fitting, repair and maintenance procedures (including planned preventative maintenance) for equipment
• Defined transition processes and pathway for children and young people to move into adult services where required
• Responding to changing clinical need and provision of alternative equipment when necessary
• Providing good quality equipment appropriate to identified need that includes consideration of comfort, posture, function, pressure relief and cosmesis
• Review and adaption of services to identify and deliver innovation and efficiencies
• Providing education in the use and care of equipment to Service Users and carers

Specific requirements for Wheelchair Services:

• Provision of clear information for professionals, parents, carers, children and young people and schools and adult users regarding access to wheelchair services and the limitations of the NHS wheelchair service

The contract awarded is for 2 years (1st October 2026 to 30th September 2028) with the option to extend for up to 2 years to 30th September 2030 in accordance with the Direct Award Process C (DAP C) of the Providers Selection Regime (PSR) (2023). The key criteria used to assess the provider were the following:

•quality and innovation

•value

•integration, collaboration and service sustainability

•improving access and reducing health inequalities

•social value

An assessment of suitability has been completed and NICB are assured that the current provider is satisfying the existing contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard and meet the key criteria above. No conflicts of interest were identified.