Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to award the procurement of the Intermediate Care and Reablement Service Contract (ICRS) following the conclusion of an open procurement procedure that ended on 26 January 2026. The contract was funded by the Better Care Fund. It continued to support earlier release from hospital where safe to do so.

The current contract with Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) had begun on 1 October 2023 and was due to expire on 30 September 2026. The new contract would start on 1 October 2026 with mobilisation projected to start in May 2026.

The contract would be for 5 years with the ability to extend it for 2 years and then a further 2 years (9 years in total).

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken in relation to the procurement. This was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

An Exempt Appendix to the report set out financial analysis in relation to the procurement.

Reasons:

HCRG (Virgin Care) had the most competitive tender for quality and price (75/25) with innovative Medway focussed solutions to deliver the specification outlined. This was agreed by the Evaluation Panel.

This provider delivers these services to Dartford, Gravesham and Swale therefore aligns to Local Government Reorganisation with Medway’s preferred footprint.