Decision details

The committee considered a report which sought to reprocure a new sexual health based service.

Members were updated that based on engagement and benchmarking, the current arrangements offered Cheshire East Council significant value for money, and that going through an open tendering process may cause the cost of the contract to increase. It was noted that in terms of the cost of the recommission, continued conversations with the current provider would be required regarding the cost of the contract, and following this, if an agreement could not be reached, then the council would look to an open tender.

Members were updated that the intention was to move towards a care community model, which would use outreach clinics within the communities to reach as many people as possible. It was noted that there was a national agreement among sexual health services to allow for residents to engage with services outside of their local area, and for those costs to be reimbursed.

It was noted that the service encouraged the use of PREP and there was a need to target this towards the individuals who were at a higher risk. It was noted that there had been an increase in the use of the service due to factors around the increased usage of dating apps, changes in sexual behaviour and significant cost pressures on local sexual health services. It was noted that the current provider was also working with Cheshire East Council on several specific target areas, such as those Care Leavers who may have missed out on support via the education system.

Members were updated that there was an outreach element to the service which could engage with local youth clubs, etc, if requested.

Members noted the age of the data within the JSNA and requested further details regarding the rates of under 18s pregnancy. Officers committed to providing a written response.

The Chair proposed two amendments to the recommendations which were accepted by the committee as friendly amendments:

1.    To remove the words “Chair and Vice Chair of the Adults and Health Committee (or” and “if the decision takes place after the start of Cabinet” from recommendation two.

2.    To add an additional recommendation to read “Authorise for a progress report to be taken to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in six months, detailing the outcomes of the service”.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the Adults and Health Committee:

1.    Approve the procurement of the Cheshire East Integrated Sexual Health Service using the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

2.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adults, Health and Integration to award the contract in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

3.    Authorise for a progress report to be taken to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in six months, detailing the outcomes of the service.

Councillor Nicola Cook left the room whilst the committee considered Item 8.

Councillor Rob Moreton left the meeting at 11:48 and did not return.