UK Department of Health Awards Consultancy Contract

The Department of Health Northern Ireland (DoH) has successfully awarded a significant consultancy contract as part of its ongoing efforts to evaluate the Integrated Care System (ICS) currently in development. The contract, valued at £300,000, has been given to Ernst Young LLP, a prominent firm based in Belfast. The DoH aims to appoint a supplier that will provide an independent evaluation of the ICS from its initial launch and throughout its formative years.

Ernst Young LLP will be responsible for delivering professional assessments to monitor the operations of the ICS, identifying any issues, and recommending solutions promptly to ensure the model's success. The award was the result of an open procedure, with a total of eight tenders received. Among these, five were submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises, reflecting a healthy competitive environment.

It is important to emphasize that the contract entails ongoing assessments, and there's no guarantee regarding the volume of work. However, the firm will play a crucial role in harnessing an action learning approach, thus contributing significantly to the maturity and efficiency of the ICS model. The Department highlights that effective contract management and adherence to performance standards will be strictly monitored throughout the contract’s duration to ensure high-quality outcomes.