Durham County Council Awards £2.9 Million Hospital Discharge Support Contract

Durham County Council has awarded a contract for the provision of its Housing, Health & Wellbeing Hospital Discharge Support Service to Waythrough.

The contract is valued at £2,910,848 and was awarded following an open procedure under the Light Touch Regime.

The service is designed to prevent people aged 18 and over from being discharged from hospital into street homelessness by providing coordinated in-hospital support and time-limited post-discharge assistance.

It will support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, individuals with drug and alcohol support needs, and people known to Adult Social Care services. The service includes early identification, hospital-based assessment and discharge coordination, alongside post-discharge support to help sustain accommodation and reduce the risk of hospital readmission.

The agreement is expected to commence on 17 August 2026 and run until 31 March 2029.

The contract includes the option to extend for two further periods of 24 months, potentially taking the agreement through to 31 March 2033, subject to funding, performance and commissioner approval.

Contract Award Details

Contracting Authority: Durham County Council

Successful Supplier: Waythrough

Contract Value: £2,910,848

Contract Start Date: 17 August 2026 (estimated)

Contract End Date: 31 March 2029 (estimated)

Extension: Up to two 24-month extension periods, potentially extending the contract to 31 March 2033

Procurement Route: Open Procedure (Light Touch Regime)

A total of eight tenders were received and assessed, with Waythrough selected as the successful provider.

The award decision was made on 29 June 2026, with the earliest contract signature date scheduled for 31 July 2026 following the standstill period.

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