Proposed decision: To extend the current Healthwatch Kent contract for a further two years from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2018 (as per the terms of the original contract) and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to take the necessary actions to implement the decision.
The decision relates to Corporate Objectives
· Families and carers of vulnerable and older people have access to the advice, information and support they need
· Residents have greater choice and control over the health and social care services they receive
· The health and social care system works together to deliver high quality community services
· Children and young people have better physical and mental health
Financial Implications: The service will be delivered within the existing budget. It is more cost effective to apply a contract extension to maintain an effective service rather than re-commission.
Legal Implications: Provision of the service is a statutory requirement. Amendments to the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (as amended) (the 2007 Act) introduced by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 provided the statutory basis for local Healthwatch.
Equality Implications: None
.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 14/01/2016
Department: Social Care, Health & Wellbeing
Contact: Emma Hanson, Senior Commissioning Manager 03000 415342 Email: emma.hanson@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 696611.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be discussed by the Adult Social Care and Health Cabinet Committee on 14 January 2016.
Other consultation planned or undertaken:
Consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and
Health Reform and Chairman of the Health and
Wellbeing Board, because there is a statuary requirement to have a
Healthwatch representative as a member
of the Board.
Financial implications: Emma Hanson Head of Commissioning Community Support 03000 415342 Karen Cook Commissioning Manager 03000 415281
Legal implications: 16/00003