Provision of a Safe Bus for Plymouth City Centre for NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

NHS Devon Clinical Commission Group (CCG) seeks to commission a Safe Bus for Plymouth City Centre to support people and providers within the night-time economy, with the aim of reducing ambulance and emergency dept. (ED) attendances. To support the continued pressure on the health system and to support the night-time economy, the service will be commissioned to operate between 2200-0400 during nights of high footfall to ensure maximum impact. During the operational months (23/07/21 - 30/10/21) the Safe Bus has dealt with 120 patients over 19 deployments, with only a 12.5% onward referral to ED. The Safe Bus has been run on a variety of nights with variable attendance levels, with higher numbers on Saturday nights specifically. The main outcomes this service aims to deliver are : - • Preventing people from dying prematurely • Ensuring people have a positive experience of care • Treating and caring for people in safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm Aims and objectives of the service : - The provider will deliver the Safe Bus within Plymouth City Centre that provides a clinically staffed and safe place. The main aims of the service are: • Reduce the number of calls to the ambulance service for those within the night time economy • Reduce the number of people who present at the Emergency Department either by self-referral or by ambulance with no more than 15% (pilot achieved 12.5%) of patients having an onward referral to ED (either by ambulance or advised to self-present) • Provide a safe place for those in need • Provide support and medical treatment to self-presenters • Support and be an integral part of the night time economy, for example, linking with pub / club / police/ street pastors. • Support the homeless population within the area, by providing support, first aid and sign posting to appropriate in hours services Service description/care pathway Supporting the Safer Plymouth initiative, the Safe Bus has been operating, as a pilot, between 2200-0400 (6 hours service plus 2 hours travel and set up / clean down of unit) and is based outside the Theatre Royal, Royal Parade. As well as a safe space for people in a vulnerable state the ambulance provides clinical assessment, first aid, fluid replacement and a safe place for people. Patients will be able to self-present or may be assisted through Police, Ambulance service, street pastors, security staff etc. The Provider will be expected to provide the following for each deployment: • 1 x Lead paramedic • 1 x Student paramedic • 2 x Emergency Care Assistance • St John's Support (or equivalent)   • 2 x Security (for Bus safety) 2200-0400 • 2 x Taxi Marshalls (to support those leaving the bus and others. This is the Raleigh Street taxi rank just outside the new Premier Inn on Derrys Cross.) 2200-0400 • Any times when this has not been possible should be reported along with the patient level data on a monthly basis. • The provider will also provide a front-line ambulance (along with all consumables and equipment normally found on a front-line ambulance) which is able to convey a patient to hospital if required. • The Safe Bus itself will be provided by the Police and Plymouth City Bus, who will also ensure it is in place for operational nights. MOU agreed with Police • Two security personal will be arranged to support the staff on the safe bus on each of the operational nights. • Security and taxi marshal staff will be required to attend the Council run "Taxi Licensing Overview" training session, which will be provided free of charge. Staff wages/ travel will need to be provided from within the contract value. Operational Times/Days The provider will ensure that the Safe Bus is fully staffed and operational 2200-0400 every Saturday and also for 15 additional nights. These additional nights will be agreed between the provider, CCG, Police and Plymouth City Council, using the intelligence about upcoming events, freshers, festivals etc. Risk Management Robust risk management processes and support and training for staff should be in place to ensure that staff are knowledgeable and skilled to recognise risk, to understand what constitutes acceptable risks for Individuals and to know what action to take to support Individuals to mitigate risk. Population covered This service is for anyone within the city of Plymouth who require treatment and/or support. Any acceptance and exclusion criteria and thresholds Exclusions Those who have a higher medical need than the Safe Bus is able to safely provide. These patients should be redirected to an appropriate service. Applicable Service Standards Registered or working towards being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) at the point of contract delivery To adhere to NICE guidelines, and where appropriate, Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Committee (JRCALC) guidance The Commissioner will be contracting for the Services using the NHS Standard Contract 21/22 for the purpose of contracting The draft Contract can be found via the link below and Bidders must carefully study these documents to ensure they are familiar with the obligations on them should they be awarded a Contract. https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-standard-contract/21-22/full-length-nhs-standard-contract-2021-22-particulars-service-conditions-general-conditions/ Outcomes, Reporting and Monitoring The provider will provide all data included within the performance monitoring sheet provided monthly There should be robust procedures in place to monitor and provide evidence that all the standards and requirements in this Specification are in place and this information will be required by Commissioners as part of the Management Information and Contract Management processes. Monthly reports including monitoring data reports will be submitted to the westernlocality@nhs.net within 10 days of the last day of the month. The Provider will participate in the on-going monitoring of the contract by participating in quarterly meetings to review performance, plan for upcoming developments, discuss enhancements and opportunities. The provider should be engaged and responsive to NHS Devon CCG. Contract Term The Commissioner has a total budget available of up to £124,160 excluding VAT for the 11 months. At the end of the initial contract term the Commissioners will have an extension option up to a maximum of a further 12 months which will be awarded subject to funding, giving a maximum possible contract value of £254,160 exclusive of VAT, over 23 months if the full contract term is fulfilled. The year 2 extension is not secured and will be subject to successful authorisation of funding. The service will commence on the 18th of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023 This processed is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s). The closing date for submissions is 12 midday on the 25th of February 2022