Direct Award of High Intensity User Service in West Sussex to British Red Cross

About

NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit awarded a 12-month contract to British Red Cross for the provision of a High Intensity User Service in West Sussex for NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB), commencing 1st December 2023, with a contract value of £240,000.00.

The service supports frequent Emergency Department (ED) attenders—less than one per cent of the population but accounting for a significant proportion of ED attendances, ambulance journeys, and hospital admissions, estimated to cost the NHS at least £2.5bn per year—by providing psychosocial support, crisis planning, and community signposting.

Based on the evidence-based model developed by Blackpool CCG, NHS Right Care, and British Red Cross, the service uses a health coaching approach to reduce emergency care use, targeting high users and vulnerable adults, including those with high-risk episodes of self-harm or homelessness, and connects them with local partner organisations such as drug and alcohol services, housing, social services, and third sector groups.

The service covers the West Sussex area, specifically working with University Hospitals.