Health and social work services

Tender description

New and emerging policy drivers; (5-year forward view, sustainable transformation plans, community based care) The NHS 5 Year Forward View (5YVF) was published on 23.10.2014 and sets out a new shared vision for the future of the NHS based around new models of care. The drive to create sustainable plans and move to the transformation of services which are patient centred and outcomes based is clearly articulated in all planning guidance. Local data demonstrates the need for services to create fair and consistent access across the defined footprint, improve productivity and be value based. The transformation of Community Based Care (CBC) is a critical part of Lewisham’s overall vision is to achieve a sustainable health and care system, one which better supports people to maintain and improve their physical and mental well-being, live independently and access high quality care when needed. In Lewisham, health and care partners plan to transform the way in which community based care is delivered so that people can benefit from advice, support and care which is proactive, preventative and coordinated. Evidence base- The evidence base for the use of intermediate care and supported care is well-established. The 2015 National Audit for Intermediate Care findings suggest that the majority of patients accessing intermediate care have experienced an improvement in their functionality. Intermediate care improves patient outcomes by providing specialist input and time to recover for those seeking to regain an acceptable level of independence. It also facilitates early discharge and more effective use of resources by releasing higher-intensity bed-capacity. There is considerable variation in the needs of those entering intermediate care or utilising supported discharge. For some it is predominantly social care with therapy support to re-enable a level of independence, for others it is lower-intensity nursing care that does not generally require frequent medical input. The use of intermediate care is highlighted in a range of strategies. National policies such as ‘Transforming Community Services: Ambition, Action, Achievement’ (DOH 2009) support the identification of new service solutions to unnecessary attendances at A&E and hospital admissions’ and look at ways to ‘deliver new and innovative services in community settings/homes’ (June 2009). Among other drivers, are the white paper ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say’ (2006), Intermediate Care — Halfway Home (2009), and Transforming Community Services (2010). Discharge to Assess (NHS England Publications Reference 05871) is a model that supports patients being assessed for longer term care needs in their ordinary place of residence. Evidence suggests that patients receiving a period of rehabilitation (or time to recover) prior to this assessment will positively impact on the outcome of that assessment, with the right level of care planned to be delivered in the right place at the right time.