Request
1. How many NHS block contracts did the Strategic Health Authority award to independent providers in each of the last five years
2. What was the total monetary value of block contracts awarded by the Strategic Health Authority in each of the last five years
3. Which providers did the Strategic Health Authority awarded block contracts to and what was the monetary value of each of those contracts
4. What proportion of the Strategic Health Authority’s commissioned services were delivered through block contracts in each of the last five years
5. How many and what proportion of the block contracts awarded by the Strategic Health Authority were awarded to independent providers of (a) mental health services and (b) secure services for mentally ill offenders in each of the last five years
6. What assessment have the Strategic Health Authority made on the value for money of block contracts in commissioning services
7. What assessment have the Strategic Health Authority made of the effects of using block contracts in commissioning on the diversity of providers of health services
8. What guidance is given by the Strategic Health Authority to commissioners regarding Any Willing Provider when commissioning services from public, voluntary and private providers
9. What guidance is given by the Strategic Health Authority to their commissioners regarding a preference for public sector providers over voluntary or private providers
10. How many secure mental health beds are available for diverted offenders with mental health problems
11. How many offenders with mental health problems on a waiting list for an available secure mental health bed and what is the average waiting time
12. What is the average transfer time for offenders with mental health problems from prison to an alternative setting
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of Block contracts and offender diversion.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), that following appropriate enquiries and subsequent searches, we do not hold the information that you have requested.
However, it might be that our constituent NHS organisations are able to provide you with the details that you require. I have therefore attached a link to our website that will enable you to contact them separately:
http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/the-local-nhs/nhs-organisations/
I hope that this information is of use. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-
Mr Moosa Patel
Director of Corporate Affairs
NHS East Midlands
Octavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG
If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
