Purpose

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.

Decision

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.

Reasons for the decision

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.

Alternative options considered

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.