Medical Support for Eating Disorder inpatients identified by the CHEDS Team

CoCH is a local acute provider able to deliver the required combination of paediatric inpatient medical oversight, physical health monitoring, pathology access, dietetic support, and HCA support for young people admitted with severe Eating Disorder presentations identified by CHEDS. The provider already delivers this service as part of an established clinical pathway, ensuring clinical safety, continuity of care, and compliance with national requirements. The clinical risk associated with ED admissions requires immediate and consistent paediatric medical cover, rapid access to investigations, and close liaison with CHEDS, which can be safely and effectively provided by the existing acute Trust. Transitioning the service to an alternative provider could pose patient safety risks, disrupt established MDT relationships, and lead to delays or fragmentation of care. The Trust has a proven record of providing the service to the required standard, including guideline development, audit participation, and integration with CHEDS. On this basis, the contract meets the criteria for Direct Award Process C, with a clear and justifiable rationale for continuity with the incumbent provider.