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:
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).
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/08/2018
Decision due: Not before 4th Oct 2018 by Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health
Reason: in order that the proposed decisions can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements, and to allow for Cabinet Committee consideration.
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health
Lead director: Andrew Scott-Clark
Contact: Louise Merchant, Senior Commissioner 03000 416476 Email: louise.merchant@kent.gov.
Consultees
The proposed decisions were discussed and endorsed by the Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee on 28 September 2018. The extract of the minutes setting out the discussion of that item is included at the end of the signed Record of Decision form (ROD).
The service has previously been to committee to inform Members and they will be kept informed and involved in ongoing service developments.
Financial implications: The total budget for these services is expected to be £12,902,267 annually. However, all services are open-access, mandated and activity-based and therefore the budget may exceed this, based on user need. Of this total budget, the total annual value of LARC services (decision number 18/00051a) is anticipated to be £2,140,823. The total annual value for the CYP Condom programme (decision number 18/00051b) is anticipated to be £282,040, with a total of £2,538,360 over a potential 9 year contract (Initial 3 year term with 2 extensions of up to 3 years each).
Legal implications: Provision of this service is a statutory responsibility. TUPE may apply and if necessary legal advice will be sought. Although the County Council has an initial review of up to 5 years with the partnership agreements under decision 18/00051 a, the agreements by nature are open ended and so there is no formal expiry date. However, the legal documentation will allow for breaks in contract and also for termination of contract if necessary. The public health budget is ring-fenced until 2020, after this time there is no guarantee the funding will remain the same. This will be explicitly stated in all contracts and clear break clauses have been included.
Equalities implications: An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the service has been completed and any recommendations for improvements in service delivery have been incorporated in the service specification. The EQIA is included in the decision paperwork.