Scope
Reference
2425-0313
Description
Provision of community equipment to support independence, hospital discharge, and care at home for adults and children. Includes supply, maintenance, and collection of items.
Contract 1. 2526-0313 Community Equipment Service - NLEP
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,435,750 excluding VAT
- £5,322,900 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
19 September 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 September 2025 to 21 September 2026
- Possible extension to 21 September 2028
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
Initial term of 24 months with an optional extension of 12 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The primary risk to contract performance arises from the short mobilisation period following the insolvency of the incumbent provider, NRS Healthcare, and the service formally closing on 15 September 2025. This created an urgent need to secure continuity of statutory services under the Care Act 2014.
Risks include potential delays in service mobilisation, supply chain disruption, and gaps in equipment availability or maintenance during the transition. These could impact hospital discharge timelines, people's ability to live independently, and safeguarding outcomes. Mitigation measures include a phased transition with interim 'patchwork' arrangements, contingency planning for high-priority equipment, and collaborative oversight from the eight-borough consortium.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Light touch
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
The Council has a statutory duty to provide the integrated community equipment and service pursuant to the Care Act 2014. The existing provider has notified the Council that they will cease trading from 15 September 2025 and therefore cease providing these services to the Council. Due to the short notice provided by the incumbent provider it is impossible to commission a new contract within the relevant timescales and ensure continuity of service. It is necessary for the Council to urgently award a replacement contract to secure continuity of these critical statutory services in Islington. The Council has considered all options and has concluded that due to this extreme urgency a directly awarded contract under Section 41 and Sections 13 and 14 of Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 to Essex Cares Limited should be made.
Supplier
Provide Care Solutions
- Companies House: 04331279
900 The Crescent
Colchester
CO4 9YQ
United Kingdom
Email: provide.pmo@nhs.net
Region: UKH34 - Essex Haven Gateway
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. 2526-0313 Community Equipment Service - NLEP
Contracting authority
Islington Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBMD-2513-CWJJ
Islington Town Hall
London
N1 2UD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@islington.gov.uk
Website: http://www.islington.gov.uk/
Region: UKI43 - Haringey and Islington
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government