CCGs confirm winner of £285m 'prime provider' contract

HSJ last month exclusively revealed that the consortium bid led by Locala, also involving South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust, a local hospice and other third sector organisations, had been selected by North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield CCGs.

It follows a six-month formal procurement process. Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust had led a separate consortium bid for the contract, with federations of GPs.

The contract is expected to go live in October, beginning with a one-year phased implementation plan.

Greater Huddersfield CCG chair Steve Ollerton said: “A single lead provider for community services will ensure that care across Kirklees is more joined up than it has ever been, and help us to focus on improving the patient experience.

“The procurement process we used has allowed people from a range of organisations to come together and discuss potential solutions. 

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and effort of all those involved including patients, clinicians, local authority colleagues, and the two bidders.”

North Kirklees CCG chair David Kelly said: “Both CCGs are strongly committed to delivering healthcare that is closer to people’s homes and more joined-up. 

“We know this is what local people want, and I am delighted that we are now in a position to begin the process of delivering our vision.”

Locala chief executive Robert Flack said the organisation was “absolutely delighted to be the chosen lead provider for this work”.

“Colleagues have been crafting and shaping our new model of care for months and are eager to put it into action. We’ve already begun working in a new way in one pilot area and another will follow soon.”