Hywel Dda plans £100m framework for charity-led health services

Hywel Dda University Health Board is proposing a procurement framework worth an estimated £100 million for health and wellbeing services provided by charities and voluntary organisations.

A preliminary market engagement notice published on Friday, 6 November, sets out plans for an eight-year arrangement spanning Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

The proposed framework would allow the health board to commission third-sector organisations to deliver services including preventative healthcare, community wellbeing, advocacy, palliative care, support for carers, rehabilitation and patient engagement.

It is intended to provide a mechanism for awarding individual service contracts, subject to the health board's requirements and procurement rules.

However, the £100 million figure represents an estimate of the framework's potential value over eight years. It does not constitute newly allocated funding or a commitment to spend the full amount.

Under the current timetable, the arrangement would run from 1 July 2027 until 30 June 2035.

An online information event is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November, giving interested voluntary organisations an opportunity to learn about the proposals and raise questions.

The health board expects to begin its formal procurement process in February next year.

The announcement comes as Hywel Dda faces significant financial pressures and increased Welsh Government oversight of its financial management and strategic planning.

The procurement notice does not specify how the estimated value would be divided between the three counties, or which organisations might eventually receive contracts.

It also remains unclear whether existing third-sector services would continue unchanged or be subject to new commissioning arrangements.

The proposed framework could provide opportunities for smaller Ceredigion charities to secure longer-term involvement in delivering local healthcare services. Local organisations delivering hospice support, carers' services and other community-based activities could potentially be among those interested in the framework.

Interested providers have been invited to register for the November information event ahead of the proposed tender.