BNSSG Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS)

Open future opportunity - This means that the buyer is not yet ready to invite bid applications, but early notification has been provided and some dialogue may be possible. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Sexual Health Service Bristol City, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire Councils are interested in assessing the market to establish the options for the delivery of a jointly commissioned Integrated Sexual Health Service for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). BNSSG Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS) BNSSG is an area of contrasting geography, people and needs with a population of just under a million people, of which the majority reside in Bristol, with large rural areas being characteristic of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The demographics of the populations in these three areas are distinctive as Bristol is much more ethnically diverse and has a younger population with a large number of students, whereas North Somerset for example has a greater population aged 65+. BNSSG Councils currently collaboratively commission ISHS for the BNSSG area, including: • all levels of STI and HIV testing, STI treatment, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, specialist contraception services, and a service for children and young people • Sexual health outreach, health promotion and HIV prevention Bath and North East Somerset Council also jointly procure chlamydia screening and the BNSSG Integrated Care Board (ICB) jointly procure termination of pregnancy services with the BNSSG Councils as part of the ISHS. In addition, each of the BNSSG Councils separately commission long-acting reversible contraception in general practices and emergency hormonal contraception in pharmacies. A decision has not yet been made on whether these primary care services will be included in the reprocurement of ISHS services. The ISHS is accessible from multiple locations across BNSSG and in addition issues over 3,000 online test kits per month. The BNSSG ISHS contract has a core value of approximately £8,300,000 per year. This PIN is an advance notice of a planned retender for open access ISHS for BNSSG from April 2025. Key areas of focus for the new tender will be using innovation to: • target outreach to engage with underserved and minoritised groups and those with complexity/vulnerability in order to reduce inequality of access and outcome • increase access to services in the community • harness the power of digital technology to improve efficiency and self-care • prioritise prevention of unplanned pregnancy, STIs and HIV • think creatively about skill mix and the sustainability and adaptability of service delivery • ensure there is an inclusive workforce that reflects the population served Expressions of interest are requested from the market to create a market warming consultation group that will work collaboratively with the commissioners to co-produce a feasible and sustainable service model following an iterative process. The intention is to go out for a full procurement in spring 2024, which would be subject to a further PIN.