Nationally, a new way of providing support care for older people in the community called Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) was developed in 2017. Consultation with the current providers of these services in Tairāwhiti occurred at this time. Providers were advised that the current contract expires on 30 June 2019, the date Hauora Tairāwhiti moves into the new HCSS model of care.
For the new HCSS contract, the procurement process is guided by national protocols, developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). A two-stage procurement process started with a call for Registrations of Interest (ROI) to deliver the new model to the Tairāwhiti community. This ROI included an evaluation approach with a variety of criteria to enable the selection of the provider that best serves the Tairāwhiti community within the new model.
Proposals were received and shortlisted for the second part of the process, a closed tender Request For Proposals (RFP). One of the current providers CCS Disability Action was not shortlisted for this phase.
As this critical RFP process is not yet concluded, and a new provider has not yet been selected, Hauora Tairāwhiti is unable to provide further related information.
Hauora Tairāwhiti understands that a possible change in caregiver can cause some anxiety and stress for people receiving care. Each person receiving care will be contacted individually with information about the transition, the new model of care and what that means for him or her.
Hauora Tairāwhiti also acknowledges there are expectations outlined in the Employment Relations Act regarding the transition of staff. Within the RFP phase, these are core to the consideration of how the provider will be selected. Hauora Tairāwhiti has committed to working with the current provider to support the transition of staff.
Please call Claire Campbell, Portfolio Manager Health of Older People on (06) 869-2095 extn: 8549 for more information.
ENDS