HHL is the current contracted provider for the reablement service in Herefordshire, which commenced in July 2014. 

The current provider has confirmed that they are able to continue to deliver a reablement service to the contract end date of 31 July 2017. The recommended approach to in source the reablement provision to be hosted by Hoople, with line management and regulatory control from the council, is recommended to allow for alignment with the council’s rapid response service.  This will allow for flexibility within the two service areas for movement of staff and service users, whilst streamlining service delivery, improving efficiencies and increasing capacity in the market.

To extend the current contractual arrangements with Herefordshire Housing Ltd (HHL) until June 2018. This option is not viable as the provider has informed the council that it has operated the contract at a loss and has, as a result, recently reduced service capacity.

It is possible to recommission a reablement provision through a competitive tender process however this would not enable effective alignment with the council’s rapid response service and would restrict the opportunity to redesign.  The provision needs to be incorporated as an integrated intermediate care pathway and redesign options, which current time frames do not allow.

Wye Valley NHS Trust (WVT) could potentially deliver the service and pilot the effectiveness of working jointly. However, WVT is currently in transition with community services in Herefordshire and consultation is due to commence, therefore timescales are not suitable.