FOI 2026/1709

I am writing under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request information regarding the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) commissioning of specialist neurological rehabilitation services for “Level 2” (Category B) patients.

Specifically, I request the following information for the last two financial years (2023/24 and 2024/25):

Spot Purchase Fee Rates:

1. What was the average weekly fee paid by the ICB for a “spot purchase” placement in a private/independent Level 2 neuro-rehabilitation unit?
2. What was the lowest and highest weekly fee paid for such placements during this period?

Volume of Placements:

3. How many individual patients were funded for Level 2 neuro-rehabilitation placements in the independent sector (private providers) during each year?
4. What was the average length of stay (in days or weeks) for these placements?

Delayed Transfers & Discharges:

5. Of the Level 2 neuro-rehabilitation placements funded, what was the average number of days a patient remained in the unit after being declared clinically fit for discharge (Delayed Transfer of Care)?

Commissioning Framework:

6. Does the ICB currently have a “Dynamic Purchasing System” (DPS) or a “Preferred Provider List” for neurorehabilitation, or is all non-NHS activity procured on an ad-hoc spot-purchase basis?

If it is not possible to provide all the information requested, please provide what you can and offer advice/assistance on how I might refine my request.

I would prefer to receive this information in an electronic format (Excel or CSV if possible). I look forward to your response within the statutory 20-working-day limit.

NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (NHS GM) commissions all Level 2 neurorehabilitation through NHS contracts with two Greater Manchester health care providers in three Intermediate Neurorehabilitation Units (INRU).

• Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provide level 2 neurorehabilitation at the Floyd Unit and Devonshire Unit INRU’s.
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) provide level 2 neurorehabilitation at Trafford INRU.

NHS GM does not commission Independent Sector placements for Level 2 neurorehabilitation.