Provision of Community Support for Medically Complex Children

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) has identified a continual need for the provision of support for medically complex children in the community setting. A growing number of children are surviving extremely premature birth, severe neurological incidents and other medical disorders which results in significant medium to long-term disability and/or dependence on technology. These children require a high level of care to support them in their transitioning to the community. Families are unable to provide the high level of ongoing care that is required without support from both government and community services.

The services required are specifically for medically stable children who no longer require tertiary-level care at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) but require planned transition to a home or residential care setting. Based on individual circumstances, residential and in-home care service categories will be as follows:

• Residential Carewill be required for respite and/or medium-to-long-term placement options in a setting designed for children to live and have care provided on-site (24-hours a day, 7-days a week), and provides training for families and carers to support the transition home; and
• In-Home Care will be required by trained and competent personnel primarily for the provision of awake overnight supervision. The child may also need daytime support in the home, school, hospital or at community-based activities. The hours of care required will be assessed on a case by case basis and will vary according to the complexity of the condition and the needs of the child and their parents / carers.

The Head Agreement established as a result of this Request may be awarded in any of the following ways:

• A single supplier for both categories;
• A single supplier for each category; or
• A panel of suppliersfor each category.
  The resultant Head Agreement will constitute a standing offer, whereby the Customer can place Orders on an ‘as required’ basis during the Term.