Purpose

This report seeks for the contract extension of our Health and Wellbeing Locally Commissioned Services (LCS) provided by GP practices. This will be the first 24 months extension following an initial contract award in March 2023 for a 36 months +24 +24 total contract length.

The LCS commissioned to GP practices are a suite of evidence-based, behaviour change interventions which are an integral part of the wider preventative and treatment service offer in Camden. These services include NHS Health Checks, Sexual Health (screening for sexually transmitted infections), Smoking Cessation, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception service (LARC) and the Substance Misuse services which is a shared service with joint patient management with Camden’s Drug and Alcohol service provider Change Grow Live (CGL). GP practices are individually contracted following an expression of interest and proof of competency and suitability to provide the service. They are paid from the Public Health grant on activity and outcomes with no minimum payment guarantee.

The initial three years of this contract has seen some progress across most services with increase in service provision, and provision of alternative access points for preventative services in community. This time-period has also allowed for some in-depth review and launch of service improvement measures. A further 2-year extension will allow for service continuity particularly amidst the ongoing Integrated Care Board restructuring and wider impact on primary care support, as well as for the trialling of the new smoking and LARC service design to assess impact.

This report is being presented to the Director of Health and Wellbeing in accordance with Contract Standing Order E1.3, in that where an officer awarded a contract, the same level of officer must agree the extension.

Decision

(i)                 THAT the performance of the contract for Locally Commissioned Services with GP practices be noted; and

(ii)                THAT the extension of the contract for a period of 24 months from 1 April 2026, at an indicative average total value per contract of £21,494 (£3,617 - £84,475) based on 2024-25 activity levels, be approved.