Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Somerset Council
County Hall, The Crescent
Taunton
TA14DY
UK
Contact person: Stephen Barker
E-mail: stephen.barker@somerset.gov.uk
NUTS: UKK23
Internet address(es)
Main address: www.somerset.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Therapeutic OPMH+ Unit
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85144100
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
• A person-centred, adaptive, and flexible service that optimizes opportunities for health and wellbeing in later life.
• A skilled workforce trained in line with the Newcastle Model, to develop understanding and interventions which reduce 1-1 support hours and improve wellbeing for people with dementia.
• The provision of excellent care and support for people living with a dementia and presenting with complexity beyond that which can be managed in Somerset's broader health and social care offer.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
2 500 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85312500
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKK23
Main site or place of performance:
Langport Central Somerset location
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
• A person-centred, adaptive, and flexible service that optimizes opportunities for health and wellbeing in later life.
• A skilled workforce trained in line with the Newcastle Model, to develop understanding and interventions which reduce 1-1 support hours and improve wellbeing for people with dementia.
• The provision of excellent care and support for people living with a dementia and presenting with complexity beyond that which can be managed in Somerset's broader health and social care offer.
II.2.14) Additional information
• A self-contained unit adjacent to or on site with a broader Dementia Nursing Mental Health service provision.
• A small environment with up to 4 ensuite bedrooms.
• A 'Dementia Friendly Environment' in line with Social Care Institute for Excellence best practice.
• Communal living areas where group activities can be delivered, reducing the need for 1-1 support.
• Accessible outside spaces, (garden/courtyard) to promote wellbeing.
• A safe environment which allows people living with a dementia to walk with purpose.
• Registered with CQC to deliver support to those aged up to and over 65 years old, those living with a dementia and or a mental health need.
• Quiet zones to facilitate one to one support, meditation and solitary or passive activities.
4 OPMH+ of 4 beds in the Langport area provided within one unit that is set up and staffed with a skilled mental health reablement workforce as well as working alongside a Multi-Disciplinary Team co located within the unit.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
01/09/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intended approach notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
Award decision-makers:
Iona Brimson - Head of Service Older People and Intermediate Care - Commissioning
Tiffany Cantrell-Warren - Service Manager - Intermediate Care
The intention is to award a contract to 1 Provider using the most suitable provider process for a period of 1 year plus the option to extend for another 1 + 1 (potential maximum contract length 3 years).
If you believe your organisation should be considered for provision of this service, please email stephen.barker@somerset.gov.uk by the deadline of 29.07.2026.
For more information on the Most Suitable Provider Process, please see https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/the-provider-selection-regime-statutory-guidance/
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
15/07/2026