Tender Notification

Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) Service

NHS Lewisham (PCT) invites expressions of interest from suitable service providers within the voluntary and community services sector wishing to be considered to provide an Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) service in Lewisham.

From 1 April 2009 under provisions introduced by the Mental Health Act 2007, qualifying patients in England will have access to help from an Independent Mental Health Advocate. In line with procurement guidelines, NHS Lewisham is re-tendering for the current IMHA service that will be available to patients in the community, as well as people admitted to Inpatient services at the Ladywell Unit, though qualifying patients will be prioritised.

Working in partnership with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), the service will be based predominantly at the Ladywell Unit in Lewisham covering a total of 70 inpatient beds, though service provision will also be required in the community where appropriate. The Provider will aim to assist service users with:
•    The provisions of the legislation under which s/he qualifies for an IMHA
•    Any conditions or restrictions s/he is subject to for example any arrangements made for s17 leave
•    The medical treatment being given, proposed or being discussed and the legal authority under which this would be given
•    The requirement that would apply in connection with the giving of the treatment
•    Their rights under the Act and how those rights can be exercised

Within this voluntary sector service, the recruitment of Independent Mental Health Advocate(s) (IMHAs) will be required. The purpose of this role is to deliver the aims of the service specification and is likely to include:

•    Supporting patients in accessing information and better understanding what is happening to them
•    Supporting qualifying patients in exploring options, making better-informed decisions and actively engaging with decisions that are being made
•    Supporting qualifying patients support in articulating their own views
•    Speaking on the patient’s behalf and representing them
•    Supporting patients in other ways to ensure they can participate in the decisions that are made about their care and treatment.

Successful organisations will be expected to work positively with service users and a range of other stakeholders to promote the service.

Those who tender will be selected on the basis of experience, capability, quality and safety standards and financial standing. The initial process will entail a Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire which is to be returned no later than 12:00pm on Monday 10th October 2011.

Only those that successfully meet the qualifying criteria will be invited to tender, and tender packs are anticipated to be sent in late October 2011. Contracts are due to be awarded in December 2011 for the service to start on 1st April 2012.

To request a Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire either in writing or by email, please contact:

Bunmi Adewunmi
Mental Health Commissioning
2nd Floor, Laurence House
Catford,
London
SE6 4RU

E-mail: bunmi.adewunmi@nhs.net
Fax: 020 8314 3351
Telephone: 020 8314 9863

Procurement Event
NHS Lewisham will hold a procurement event on Monday 26th September, from 10:00 –12:00 at the Civic Suite, Lewisham Town Hall, Catford Road, London SE6 4RU. The event aims to present the PCT’s commissioning intentions for the advocacy services alongside the procurement process and timelines.

All organisations considering making a tender submission are strongly encouraged to attend.
To register to attend this event, please contact bunmi.adewunmi@nhs.net