CLCH to deliver community health services in Merton

Merton CCG and Local Authority have confirmed CLCH as the preferred bidder for their adult and children's community services. The three-year contract is worth around £22m serving an additional 200,000 patients.

The announcement is the culmination of a detailed procurement process designed to deliver improved community healthcare across the borough. The process was led by local GPs, Merton CCG and Merton Council, with the involvement of residents, community groups, service users and carers.

Richard Milner, Deputy CEO at CLCH said: "This is a huge success for CLCH and confirmation that London commissioners see us as one of the key partners in the future of the capital's NHS.

"The confidence of commissioners to invest in standalone community healthcare confirms our belief that the best care for patients will be delivered through strong partnerships across primary, community, acute, mental health and social care; each bringing their specialist professional skills and leadership to the table."

The existing contract covers both Merton and Sutton and expires at the end of March 2016, with a handover planned between CLCH and Merton Community Health Services in the coming months.

CLCH will formally commence the provision of services from 1 April 2016.