Award of Social Prescribing Link Worker Services to Symphony Healthcare Service and Oaklands Surgery by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit

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NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit awarded a contract to Symphony Healthcare Service and Oaklands Surgery for the provision of Social Prescribing Link Worker services across Somerset.

The contract formalises a Social Prescribing Model that includes Health Coaches and Social Prescribing Link Workers, jointly funded by Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and Somerset Primary Care Networks to ensure an equitable baseline level of these roles across all PCN areas.

The contract term is 3 years with a possible extension of up to a further 2 years at the Commissioner's discretion.

The contract value is £1,049,775.

The Commissioner determined that competition was absent for technical reasons, as the current providers are the only ones capable of meeting the needs in each locality due to their extensive local knowledge, trust with community groups, and strong relationships with local health and care teams.