Agenda item

(1)       The Scrutiny Research Officer updated the Committee on the following actions that had been taken since 29 January 2016:

(a)       Minute Number 7 – North Kent: Adult Community Services. Following the discussion on 29 January, Mr Brookbank and Miss Harrison were contacted by a member of the public and one of the bidders regarding the extended standstill period. The CCGs were asked to provide a response which was circulated to the Committee on 29 February.  The CCGs stated that “On the 22nd December 2015 all four bidders were advised of the outcome of the process and were told in confidence who the preferred bidder was.  This was followed by the 10 day standstill in line with best practice where any of the bidders were able to raise queries or question the outcome of the evaluation.  During this time the CCG received a response from one of the providers which resulted in the standstill period being extended by a further five days so that the CCG could respond to the query, which it did so to that bidders satisfaction. The standstill period was lifted on 12th January 2016 and the public announcement made on 13th January 2016.” It was also noted that a “complaint from Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust/Medway Community Healthcare (the third placed bidder) was made to Monitor on 15 January 2016.”

A further statement from the CCGs was provided to the Committee on 25 February which stated that the CCGs had “received notice of the issue of proceedings by an unsuccessful bidder in the Technology and Construction Court (part of the High Court of Justice).   The challenge has been brought under the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.   This triggers an “automatic suspension” under Regulation 47G of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 which requires the CCGs to refrain from entering into a contract in respect of the services until the proceedings are determined, discontinued or otherwise disposed of”. As the CCGs were now involved in legal proceedings, they have been advised not to comment further at this point.

(b)       Minute Number 7 – NHS Swale CCG: Review of Emergency Ambulance Conveyances.  During the discussion on 29 January, a Member enquired if the closure of the A249 (Sheppey) had had an adverse impact on SECAmb; Patricia Davies stated that she had not been made aware of any adverse impact but undertook to check with SECAmb and provide the information to the Committee. A response from SECAmb was awaited.

(c)        The JHOSC scheduled for Friday 26 February was postponed at the request of NHS England South (South East) and the Kent and Medway CCGs. A new date in April would be scheduled in due course. A written briefing to update the JHOSC was circulated to the JHOSC Members on 26 February.

(2)       Miss Harrison expressed a view that the Committee had been kept fully informed regarding the extended standstill period.

(3)       The Scrutiny Research Officer committed to circulating the actions that had been taken since 29 January 2016 by email to the Committee.

(4)       RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January are correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chairman.