Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Paragraph: 27
Set out how to balance cost and quality criteria when procuring services
Recommendation
Cost and quality are essential criteria on which to assess bid submissions in procurement processes. All commissioned services need to be cost effective and provide value for money, but cost should not be prioritised at the expense of quality. NHS England should set out how they balance cost and quality criteria when procuring services.
Government response summary AI-generated
NHS England and NHS Improvement are reviewing existing service specifications for mental health, substance misuse, and primary care, aiming for readiness by April 2023. They are also developing guidance for Integrated Care Systems on prison population healthcare responsibilities.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Balancing cost and quality is key to ensuring services are delivered effectively for those in need whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer. To ensure this balance is taken into account, healthcare provision is commissioned through a robust procurement process in accordance with Public Contracts Regulations (2015)2 and NHS England and NHS Improvement Standing Financial Instructions.3 This includes how criteria are weighted in terms of cost and quality. 1 The future of prison mental health care in England | Centre for Mental Health 2 Public procurement policy - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 3 NHS England » Our Standing Financial Instructions
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