Local Healthwatch Service and Independent Complaints Advocacy (NHS Services)

Descriptions

The Social Care and Health Act 2012 makes provision for a consumer champion for health and social care called Healthwatch. The Local Healthwatch is funded through the Department of Health Community Voices grant which is channelled through each Local Authority.The Social Care and Health Act 2012 also makes provision for an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service in relation to complaints relating to NHS Services. This service is also funded from the Department of Health's Community Voices grant.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council agreed to pool their funding, and now wish to jointly commission new contracts for these two services.The service may be provided by the same provider as Local Healthwatch or by a different provider. In either situation Local Healthwatch will have to support individuals in accessing information and independent advocacy if they need to complain about NHS services.The tender is being published with two Lots:•Lot 1 - Local Healthwatch Service•Lot 2 – Independent Complaints Advocacy (NHS Services)Tenderers may bid for one or both Lots.