What is the London Agency Project (LAP)?
In order to ensure that there is quality, consistency of supply and a reduction in the number of agencies that are used by Trusts, the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency introduced a framework agreement in all parts of the country, but the largest is in London. This had a number of phases:
London Agency Project Phase 1
The framework agreement for the supply of specialist nurses went live back in September 2001. Under that agreement there were 29 agencies approved to supply the entire specialist nurse needs across London for a period of 3 years until September 2004. Geneva Health was one of those agencies.
London Agency Project: Phase 2
The second phase of the London Agency Project was launched in March 2002. This phase dealt with the negotiation of a framework agreement for all nurses, midwives, health visitors and healthcare assistants, across all sectors of healthcare in London. The aims of the project were to ensure a consistent high quality of temporary staff and that value for money is achieved by every Trust in London.
Over 200 agencies responded to be included in this Framework. Twenty-four Trusts were involved in the project, through a Project Board, Project Team and Finance Sub-Group on behalf of all London Trusts. The negotiation of the framework agreement took place between March to November 2002.
The agreement became operational in April 2003 and continues until 15th August 2005. All Chief Executives in London renewed their support for the project, and their commitment to solely using the ensuing framework agreement, at their Standing Conference in March 2002.
London Agency Project: Phase 3
The third phase of the London Agency Project was launched in May 2003. It is known as LAP3. This phase deals with the negotiation of a framework agreement for all nurses (including specialists), ODPs, midwives, health visitors and healthcare assistants, across all sectors of healthcare in London. The LAP3 agreement will commence on 15th August 2005 and is an amalgamation of the LAP1, LAP2 and Mental Health London agreements. The overall aim of the project is to ensure consistent, high quality temporary staff and value for money to all NHS Trusts in London.
The project received 212 responses from agencies that wished to be considered. These were evaluated and 149 agencies were invited to submit a tender document. The tender documentation was issued to the 149 agencies on 1st June 2004.
With effect from August 15th 2005 only 45 agencies are now able to operate within the LAP area, including Geneva Health. Within LAP3 there are various sectors and agencies have either been awarded across all sectors, or a combination of each sector or in some cases only one specific sector. Geneva Health recognised it strength in the three core sectors and has been awarded approved status in general, critical qualified and midwifery. Even though LAP 3 status has been awarded to 45 agencies as part of the process, only some of these agencies have been invited to form service level agreements with individual Trusts and PCT's. We are pleased to say that Geneva Health has been awarded a number of service agreements across the whole of the LAP area thus ensuring that our agency staff can experience variety and choice.
-- 2005-07-28