Home help overhaul

John McGarvey, Western Trust Assistant Director revealed the Trust has just completed a re-tendering exercise for the care contracted from the independent sector.

The successful providers were notified on 17 June 2011 that the Trust intends to award them contracts.

Domiciliary care in the Western Trust is currently provided by staff directly employed by the Trust and by independent sector providers.

On average more than 21,000 hours each week are provided by staff in the independent sector accounting for some 60 per cent of the Trust’s overall domiciliary care provision.

Mr McGarvey - who led on the re-tendering initiative, said: “The Trust is committed to modernising this much needed and highly valued service. Indeed in recent years the Trust has implemented a programme of reform across its own in-house service in response to the growing level of demand, complexity of clients’ needs and the need to make best use of resources.

“As part of this initiative this approach is being extended to independent sector provision and this will result in additional hours being available.

“The new model will be delivered by teams of staff supporting clients across nine zones. Carers working within local teams will cover each other’s leave and absence which will improve service continuity and consistency for people receiving the service.

“I wish to reassure clients that their care needs will continue to be met. The Trust plans to have the new model implemented by April 2012 and will dedicate resources to ensure the transition is managed smoothly.

“Redesigning the way in which domiciliary care is delivered will generate increased capacity to meet the growing demand for this service.

“Under employment legislation, those staff providing care to our clients, who are currently employed in organisations which do not secure contracts, will transfer to the employment of the providers awarded contracts.”