Talking Therapies NEHF

NHS Frimley ICB ("the Commissioner") sought to commission Talking Therapies Services (previously known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapy IAPT Services). A summary of the purposes and objectives of the services are:- • Increased risk of escalation of needs and crisis presentation, in particular as post Covid we've seen a significant increase in acuity and risk. Anticipated impact to secondary care mental health is an additional 2 referrals to CMHRS/Single point of access per week. • Increased waiting times by 3-4 weeks further (longer f2f) • Lack of physical locations to support people locally with a significant reduction in capacity to see people face to face rather than virtually. Leaving people who want/are only able to receive support in person now waiting up to 18 weeks for an appointment. • Significant impact on a wide range of stakeholder in particular primary care who will experience an increase in GP appointments for people on waiting lists- anticipated to be an additional 2 GP appointments per week. • Reduction in support and ability to work in an integrated approach with our acute hospitals and PCN's for people with Long Term Conditions. Immediate impact would be pulling out of work with hypertension prevention team, cardiac team and at least one of the PCN LTP training courses. Resulting in impact on previously documented system efficiencies seen after Talk Plus intervention (totally £2m from ED,OP and IP stays over 3 year period) • Widening of the inequalities gap around mental health. Significant impact and lack of access for people with digital and transport poverty, older adults. The Commissioner is directly awarding a contract to the existing provider NHUC - Talk Plus in accordance with the criteria outlined in Regulation (9) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. The total value of the contract is £4,175,463 for the initial one year contract term. The one year period will commence on the 01st April 2025. This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.