Decision details

The purpose of the report is to consider an extension to the Section 75 Partnership Agreement with York and Scarborough NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, for the delivery of Specialist Sexual Health Services across the county from 1 April 2026.

Approval has been given to extend the Section 75 partnership agreement with York and Scarborough NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, for the delivery of Specialist Sexual Health Services across the county from 1 April 2026.

Since 1 April 2013, Local Authorities have been mandated to ensure that comprehensive, open access, confidential sexual health services are available to all people who are present in their area (whether resident in that area or not). The requirement for Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) and Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) services to be provided on an open access basis is stipulated in the Local Authorities (Public Health Functions and Entry to Premises by Local Healthwatch Representatives) Regulations 2013.

On 1st April 2022, following Executive approval NYC and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (YSTHFT) entered a Section 75 Partnership for a possible 10-year period subject to extensions. The initial term was for a 4-year period. Implementation and adherence to the Section 75 is overseen by a joint Partnership Board chaired by the Director of Public Health.

Following an initial 4-year term, the Agreement allows for a 4+2 extension. It is the intention to utilise the 4-year extension from 1 April 2026 subject to agreement with the Trust.

Continuing with the Section 75 Partnership Arrangement with York and Scarborough
Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will allow us to continue to work
collaboratively to deliver a high-quality and well-regarded integrated sexual health
service.

The alternative to extending the existing contract would be to undertake a full procurement exercise. This is not the preferred option given that there is a realistic option for extension of the current contract, which has a good track record of performance and is well-embedded in terms of partnership working and local delivery.