Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing in relation to Sefton’s Integrated Sexual Health Service.

The report detailed that the current contract for Integrated Sexual Health Service in Sefton was due to expire on 30 June 2018 and that the Council could reprocure the service collaboratively with Knowsley Council;  reprocure the service without entering into a formal collaboration with Knowsley Council; or activate the contract extension clause for 12 months from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2019.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       a formal procurement process in collaboration with Knowsley Council,  who will be the lead organisation, be approved; and

(2)       the Head of Health and Wellbeing be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing to evaluate the options and to award the contract, following the procurement process.

Reasons for the Decision:

•           A joint procurement and commissioning arrangement for the Integrated Sexual Health Service has potential to provide efficiencies around procurement and contract management activities for the Council.

•           The commissioning model is currently being developed, and through innovation  is looking at ways of procuring a better service.

•           The larger footprint and financial resource provides the opportunity for innovation within this area, leading to an improved offer across the two Boroughs

•           A collaborative model could improve choice and quality of service for local residents, allowing them to access a wider range of services.

Reprocurement of the Service without entering into a formal collaboration with Knowsley

•           Will not provide an opportunity for efficiencies around procurement and contract management activities.

•           Will not provide sufficient financial resources to allow innovation to develop.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Activate a further 12 month extension option

•           Will not address issues related to accommodation and provision for young people.

•           Will not enable the integration of primary care long acting reversible contraceptives and cervical screening into the service.

•           Will not enable the Royal Liverpool University Gentio-urinary medicine cross-charging to be integrated into the service.