Decision details

To seek approval to tender and create a Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of a Locally Commissioned Community Pharmacy Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) Service

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to seek permission to tender and create a Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of a locally commissioned community pharmacy Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) service. .
This will ensure continued provision of free Emergency Hormonal Contraception from Oldham community pharmacies appointed to deliver the scheme from 1 April 2022 for a 5 year period using a Dynamic Purchasing System

Decision:

RESOLVED - That:
Option B: Approval to tender and create a Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of a locally commissioned community pharmacy Emergency Hormonal Contraception service for a term of up to 5 years.
This is the recommended option.

Reasons for the decision:

Option A: At contract completion on 31 March 2022, Oldham cease to commission Emergency Hormonal Contraception provision via community pharmacy.
This is not the recommended offer. There is increasing demand for the provision available via community pharmacy and to stop offering the free Emergency Hormonal Contraception via this route would risk widening health inequalities and could negatively impact on local population health and the borough’s sexual health outcomes, specifically in relation to under-18 conception rates, the number of unwanted pregnancies and the number of abortions (including repeat abortions).
Option B: Approval to tender and create a Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of a locally commissioned community pharmacy Emergency Hormonal Contraception service for a term of up to 5 years.
This is the recommended option.

Alternative options considered:

Option A: At contract completion on 31 March 2022, Oldham cease to commission Emergency Hormonal Contraception provision via community pharmacy.
This is not the recommended offer. There is increasing demand for the provision available via community pharmacy and to stop offering the free Emergency Hormonal Contraception via this route would risk widening health inequalities and could negatively impact on local population health and the borough’s sexual health outcomes, specifically in relation to under-18 conception rates, the number of unwanted pregnancies and the number of abortions (including repeat abortions).

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Consultation has been undertaken with the Director of Public Health and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care. Consultation activity has been undertaken with community pharmacies via the GM LPC.

Contact: Sarah Whittle, Community Services Innovation Project Officer Email: sarah.whittle@oldham.gov.uk Email: sarah.whittle@oldham.gov.uk.

Publication date: 14/01/2022

Date of decision: 22/12/2021

Accompanying Documents: