Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek approval to enter into a two-year contract, with the option for a further one-year extension, with Southport and Formby PCN to deliver the NHS Health Checks Programme from 1st April 2026.

Decision

Decision(s):

(1)  The  two-year contract with Southport and Formby PCN to deliver the NHS Health Checks Programme from 1st April 2026, be noted.

(2)  The procurement method used would be the Direct Award Process B of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, be noted.

(3)  An option for a further one-year extension of the contract, subject to satisfactory ongoing performance and value for money having been evidenced, be noted.

(4)  Delegated authority for the Director of Public Health to authorise and execute extensions to the contract within the terms of the award, be noted.

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

Pilot work has demonstrated successful delivery of NHS Health Checks to Southport and Formby residents over the past 15 months which is a mandated service.  It is therefore proposed that a longer-term contract is awarded to Southport and Formby PCN to maintain the momentum already gained and sustain delivery of this important preventative health intervention.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Several alternative options have been considered and rejected:

·       Extension of the current contract – The current pilot contract has already been extended for a period of 3 months from January 2026 to the end of March 2026.  A longer-term contract will also maintain the momentum already gained and sustain delivery of this important preventative health intervention. 

·       To not procure an NHS Health Check service delivered via primary care – Delivery of NHS Health Checks is a prescribed area of work which must be delivered to fulfil the conditions of the public health grant.  The need to improve the low numbers of NHS Health Checks previously provided to Sefton residents via the community-based model only has been highlighted by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities which oversees delivery of the Public Health grant on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care.

Discussion with the procurement team has identified that the contract will require award via the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.  The appropriate procurement method used would be the Direct Award Process B as Southport and Formby PCN are the only provider to which an award can be made as they meet all requirements in relation to the provision of the healthcare services to patients for the Southport and Formby area.