Cabinet Member decisions

Proposed decisions:

To agree the following changes to the provision of sexual health services which are due to expire in March 2019:

18/00051 a:

• The inclusion of integrated sexual health and related services into the existing Kent Community Health Foundation NHS Trust (KCHFT) partnership
• Formation of a new partnership agreement with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Foundation Trust (MTW) and inclusion of integrated sexual health and online STI testing services
• Continued contracting directly with GP surgeries for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services delivered within primary care

18/00051 b:

·         Award of contract, following a competitive process procurement, for online condom scheme and outreach services

Background: KCC is required to provide sexual health information and advice; contraception; testing, diagnosis, treatment and management of STIs and HIV; and raising awareness about the prevention of STIs. There are a number of these mandated services available in Kent, several which have been delivered by NHS providers for many years. The workforce required to deliver these services is very skilled and highly competent needing to deal with a complex array of issues and provide quality assured clinical expertise.

Outcomes: The commissioned services support KCC’s outcome - Kent Communities feel the benefits of being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life.

The following KCC Supporting Outcomes are also underpinned in this service:

•        Physical and mental health is improved by supporting people to take more responsibility for their own health and well being

•        Those with long-term conditions are supported to manage their conditions through access to good quality care and support

•        Residents have greater choice and control over the health and social care services they receive.

The key outcome expected of the service is an improvement in the sexual health and wellbeing of the population of Kent and a reduction in sexual health inequalities. These are measured by using a range of metrics alongside service KPI’s (including user satisfaction metrics).

As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, I agree the following changes to the provision of sexual health services which are due to expire in March 2019:

18/00051 a

•              The inclusion of integrated sexual health and related services into the existing Kent Community Health Foundation NHS Trust (KCHFT) and Kent County Council (KCC) partnership

•              Formation of a new partnership agreement with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Foundation Trust (MTW) and Kent County Council (KCC) for the inclusion of integrated sexual health and online STI testing services

•              Continued contracting directly with GP surgeries for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services, delivered within primary care

18/00051 b

Award of a contract following a competitive process procurement for online condom scheme and associated services

Decision:

To tender for a new contract to deliver a community navigation service for older people and people living with dementia that supports people to navigate the health and social care systems and connects them to community-based support, supporting the demand management for both systems. (The contract will also include carers assessment services) and establish interim arrangements from 1 April 2019 for a minimum period of nine months for the majority of the remaining historic grants to allow for the full tender or appropriate process by 2020 in relation to community-based wellbeing services.

The proposed new contract directly relates to the Council’s strategic outcomes regarding older people and vulnerable residents to ensure they are safe and supported with choices to live independently and underpins the Promoting Wellbeing element of the Council’s Your Life Your Wellbeing Strategy. The new contract will provide information and advice, sign posting and help people find the support they require and connect people to their communities. It will also include a carers assessment. Establishing interim arrangements for the remaining grants will ensure services continue whilst a tender or other appropriate process for a Community-Based Wellbeing Service is undertaken.

Care navigation and social prescribing are a key element of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) and Local Care Models.