Report: independent review into the procurement of Whitehawk GP services
This relates to a review of the process that was followed by NHS Sussex to choose a new provider to deliver the contract for GP services in the Whitehawk area.
The decision by NHS Sussex to stop the current process follows the findings of a review conducted by the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel.
The Independent Panel’s findings confirm that NHS Sussex’s preparations for the procurement of the Whitehawk GP contract were in line with the national Provider Selection Regime (PSR), but also found that there were four areas in terms of how it carried out the process that were not in line with these rules.
As a conclusion, the Panel recommended that NHS Sussex should go back to an earlier stage in the procurement process (to the publication of a new contract notice and issuance of ITT documentation) to address the issues identified by the Panel.
Taking this into account, and the strong public feedback in recent weeks, NHS Sussex has taken a decision to stop the current process and consider how they can best ensure high-quality services for the local population.
Amy Galea, Chief Integration and Primary Care Officer at NHS Sussex, said:
“We remain committed to delivering a high quality, value for money GP services in Whitehawk that meets the needs of the local community. We have received the report from the Panel and need to take this into account and also recognise all of the feedback that we have received from service users, residents and partners over recent weeks.
Importantly, current GP services at Whitehawk are not affected by this decision. Registered patients continue to be able to access from the GP practice in the normal way.
Our response
Part of the appeal looked at Healthwatch Brighton and Hove's involvement in the process. The Independent panel found that this has not breached any regulations.
We welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the procurement process for the Whitehawk contract, which allowed us to deliver one of our key functions, which is to represent patients in the commissioning of a local service.
Healthwatch followed the procurement processes as advised by NHS Sussex and the decision of the independent panel of experts that the correct process was not followed at all times is of course disappointing.
In light of that decision, we support the fact that NHS Sussex has decided to stop the current procurement and consider what learning needs to be applied.
We are pleased that NHS Sussex will reflect on the community feedback that has been generated by this procurement exercise, having stated that they are keen to listen to this and ensure they are doing everything to meet the needs of the local population.
