Agenda and draft minutes

This report details the outcome of an open tender process for the award of a contract to provide integrated sexual health services (former GUM & CaSH services)^[1] for Haringey residents. This report recommends the award of a new contract in line with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.06.1 (d) following a robust tendering process.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing was advised that in accordance with regulations under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, responsibility for the commissioning of sexual health services became the responsibility of the Local Authority in April 2013, as part of the move of Public Health into local authorities.

Contract Standing Orders make provision for the Council to award a new contract in appropriate circumstances, following a robust tendering process (CSO 9.06.1 (d) ). The Cabinet Member was advised that an open tender process for the award of a contract to provide integrated sexual health services for Haringey residents was carried out and the details of this tender process were noted. The Cabinet Member was also advised that the award of this contract will enable the Council to meet some of its responsibilities to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population, and to reduce health inequalities; particularly in terms of impact on young people, black and ethnic minority groups and hard-to-reach groups. The contract will also align the integrated service outcomes to the Council’s corporate objectives on prevention and early intervention.

It was noted that Cllr Bull had previously raised a query regarding award of the contract for Integrated Sexual Health services via email to Cllr Morton. Cllr Morton requested that the query was captured in the minutes.

The query was noted as:

How does the award of contract for Integrated Sexual Health Services fit in with the Council’s overall three year budgetary framework that was yet to be agreed by Cabinet and Full Council, and did the award or re-commissioning  of this contract have an impact on the pre-budget discussions.

Susan Otiti responded that this award of contract for Integrated Sexual Health Services was a one year contract and it was within the three year budget plan for Public Health. The award of this contract will not undermine the pre-budget discussions or the wider budgetary framework.

Cllr Morton added that this is a business as usual contract and that there is no requirement to consult upon financial arrangements within this award of contract as it falls within the existing budget envelope.

Cllr Morton also requested that the minutes record that Cllr Bull also raised this query at the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel on the 11^th December.

In reference to point 10.4 of the report, Cllr Morton asked for further details on how contract monitoring will be put in place to ensure contract compliance.

Susan Otiti responded that arrangements with the existing provider are that contract monitoring meetings take place monthly and at those meetings performance monitoring was undertaken. It was noted that monthly contract monitoring will continue with the proposed new provider and that remedial action plans will be put in place if there are any performance issues or overspends.

RESOLVED

I).That approval for award of the contract for Integrated Sexual Health (GUM & CaSH) services  be granted to Whittington Health NHS Trust, the successful tenderer in accordance with Contract Standing Orders (CSO) 9.06.1 (d).  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To consider any items of urgent business admitted under item 1 above.

Nil

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

N/A

To consider exempt information pertaining to item 2 on the agenda.

N/A