Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health.

The report outlines the proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to go out to tender on the basi identified in the report and that the approval to award the contract is delegated to the Director of Public Health in line with her duties in terms of managing the Council’s Public Health functions and delegation to enter into contracts, following consultation with the appropriate Cabinet member.

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly on 0161 474 2442 or email: Jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport

RESOLVED - That approval be given to go out to tender on the basis identified in the report and that the approval to award the contract be delegated to the Director of Public Health in line with her duties in terms of managing the Council’s Public Health functions and delegation to enter into contracts, following consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report outlines the proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:-

·         note the report and provide feedback on the proposals;

·         endorse the progress of the tender process for the Sexual & Reproductive Health Service on the basis outlined in the report;

·         note that subject to approval to go out to tender, the approval to award the contract is delegated to the Director of Public Health in line with her duties in terms of managing the Council’s Public Health functions and delegation to enter into contracts.

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly, 0161 474 2442, Jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought regarding paragraph 6.5 of the report and the reference to “reducing unintended pregnancies, terminations and under-18 conception”. In response, it was stated that the reference was to targets and indicators and not to influence a person’s decision making, but rather to improve access to contraception and preventative behaviours and actions and support people.

·         It was commented that regarding paragraph 6.3 and 6.4, reference to ‘menopause’ support, advice and help was missing which every woman would experience and the support was lacking. It was noted that the information would be fed back to the development of the contract.

·         It was noted that there used to be a programme for students in Sixth Form relating to abortion, contraception & sexually transmitted diseases and clarification was sought regarding whether this programme continued. In response, it was stated that the programme was part of the curriculum and now started at a younger age and was built through the school years.

·         It was noted that there were changes to the re-commissioning and re-tendering processes and clarification was sought regarding how it would affect staff. In response, it was stated that it would be dependent on the outcome of the re-commissioning exercise and the provider.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.