Agenda item

Cabinet:

·       Delegated the power to the Director of Public Health acting in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance to make the decision to award a contract for the provision of the Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge (BHR) Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS) to Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) for a period of 5 years from 1^st October 2018 to 30^th September 2023 with the option to extend for a further three-year period on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the Councils.

Councillor Jason Frost, the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care Services, presented the report to Cabinet, detailing the proposed contract for the provision of an Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS) in Havering, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge (BHR).

The Council has a statutory duty to ensure all residents have open access to services of screening and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and contraception. 

Currently, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) are commissioned to provide an Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS).  That contract is due to expire on 30th September 2018.

London Borough Havering (LBH) in partnership with the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) and Redbridge (LBR) has undertaken a three- borough procurement of the ISHS with LBBD leading the procurement exercise on behalf of the other two boroughs.

It is proposed that the decision to award the contract be delegated to the Interim Director of Public Health in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and Director of Finance.

Councillor Frost outlined the history to the matter as set out within the report.

Members indicated that it would be helpful to have details relating to the number of people using the service and the outcomes of it.  It was further suggested that an All Member Briefing be organised in the future to provide further detailed information.

The ISHS is a user driven service and the Council will only pay for the services used.  The ISHS brings together all sexual and reproductive services including Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) and HIV.  It was noted that HIV services and treatment are procured separately and paid for by NHS England.

Cabinet:

·       Delegated the power to the Director of Public Health acting in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance to make the decision to award a contract for the provision of the Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge (BHR) Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS) to Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) for a period of 5 years from 1^st October 2018 to 30^th September 2023 with the option to extend for a further three-year period on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the Councils.