Patient Discharge and Mental Health Step Down Beds (Care) Services
Introduction
The Patient Discharge and Mental Health Step Down Beds (Care) Services Framework, managed by NHS Shared Business Services, is a strategic procurement tool designed to facilitate the transition of patients from hospital settings to more appropriate care environments. This framework is active until 16 July 2026 and is not a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). It provides a structured mechanism to ensure patients who no longer require acute hospital care can be discharged efficiently to either their homes or alternative care settings, thus alleviating the burden on hospital resources and reducing risks for patients.
Context & Use Case
Hospital discharge processes can be complex, particularly for patients who require ongoing care or support after leaving the hospital. The framework addresses this challenge by offering a range of services that support patient discharge from emergency departments, acute hospitals, and community care settings. It is particularly relevant for NHS hospitals and health providers aiming to optimise bed availability and enhance patient care outcomes. Contracting authorities utilise this framework to secure services that streamline the discharge process, thereby improving hospital efficiency and patient safety.
Scope of Services
The framework encompasses a wide array of services organised into four specific lots, each addressing different aspects of patient discharge and mental health care: 1. Lot 1: Discharge to Assess Services - Facilitates patient discharge from emergency departments, acute hospitals, and community care settings by ensuring appropriate assessments are conducted to determine the most suitable care setting for the patient. 2. Lot 2: Third Party Brokerage Services - Provides brokerage services for patients ready to be discharged, ensuring their care needs are appropriately met in their new care environment. 3. Lot 3: Virtual Ward Support Services - Offers a "secondary care" service within a patient’s care setting for up to six weeks, following referral and acceptance by clinical discharge teams. 4. Lot 4: Mental Health Step Down Care Beds Services - Secures safe, rapid assessment and accommodation for patients aged 18 and over being discharged from acute mental health wards, supporting them for up to six weeks.
Who Can Apply
The framework is open to suppliers with capabilities in medical and health care services, particularly those experienced in patient discharge processes, virtual care solutions, and mental health support. While the framework itself is not a DPS, meaning it does not accept continuous applications, interested suppliers should have demonstrated expertise in providing the outlined services and should be ready to meet the specific needs of NHS hospitals and health providers.
Buyer Benefits
For public sector buyers, the framework offers a compliant and efficient procurement route, ensuring that services essential for patient discharge and step-down care are readily available. By utilising this framework, NHS hospitals can achieve quicker market access to necessary services, reduce administrative burdens, and maintain competitive procurement standards. It supports the overarching goal of optimising hospital resource utilisation and improving patient outcomes by reducing the likelihood of hospital readmissions.
Lots
Lot 1: Discharge to Assess Services This lot facilitates patient discharge not only from emergency departments but also from the wider acute hospital and community care settings. Lot 2: Third Party Brokerage Services This lot supplies brokerage services for hospital patients whose needs are to be met when they are fit to be discharged from hospital. Lot 3: Virtual Ward Support Services This lot supplies a secondary care service within a patient's care setting for up to 6 weeks. Patients are transferred to the Virtual Ward Support Service following referral from the Trusts’ clinical discharge teams on acceptance by service leads. Lot 4: Mental Health Step Down Care Beds Services This lot is focused on securing Mental Health Step Down Care supported placements which must provide safe, rapid assessments with an outcome of accommodation that would support patients who are 18+ currently enduring mental ill-health and are being discharged from an acute ward for a period of up to six weeks.
Next Steps
Suppliers considering participation in this framework should carefully review the specific requirements and service expectations outlined by NHS Shared Business Services. It is advisable to contact the contracting authority directly for detailed information and guidance on how to align their service offerings with the needs of the framework.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable assists suppliers in navigating the complexities of public sector frameworks by offering expert guidance in discovering relevant opportunities and preparing competitive bids. Our services enhance your visibility into upcoming procurement pipelines, ensuring you are well-prepared to engage with frameworks like the Patient Discharge and Mental Health Step Down Beds (Care) Services Framework.