Mental Health Community Step Down Facility

2026-11-03

NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (the Commissioner) is publishing this notice to inform the market of its intention to follow the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process for the award of a contract for a Mental Health Community Step-Down Facility. The service will provide a 9-bed, community-based step-down facility for adults with severe mental health needs who are ready for discharge from acute inpatient services and require further assessment and support in a non-hospital setting. The Commissioner has a strong preference for providers that can demonstrate their ability to fully mobilise the service within twelve weeks of contract award. Providers should be able to evidence a credible mobilisation plan, including arrangements for premises, workforce, governance, and operational infrastructure necessary to deliver the service from the contract commencement date. Providers who believe they are capable of delivering this service are invited to express their interest within 14 days of publication of this notice. The Commissioner will not begin identifying or assessing potential providers until after this period, in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime The contract duration is 12-months with an optional extension of a further 12-months. The anticipated service commencement date is January 2027. The contract value for the initial 12-month contract is £1,000,000 and the total contract value including the optional 12-month extension period is £2,000,000 excluding VAT This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.

United Kingdom (UK)

2026-09-02