Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Services in Merton

This is an Intention to Award Notice as the Authority has followed The Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process as defined by the Provider Selection Regime of the Health Care Services Regulations 2023. The London Borough of Merton (The Council) intend to award contracts for the specialist LARC service which will ensure that a full range of contraceptive options are available to women locally in addition to the routine contraception which is part of the GP core service. Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a longer lasting, more effective method of contraception and so is very effective in preventing pregnancy for those women who are not looking to get pregnant at the time. The LARC methods which will be available under these contracts will be: • Intra Uterine contraceptives (IUC) which include the Copper Intra Uterine Device (IUD) and Mirena/Kyleena®/Jaydess® (LNG-IUS) • Sub-Dermal Implants (SDI) Providing LARC services in the community allows timely and convenient access to sexual health services especially in areas of greatest need, with the broader aim of preventing unintended conceptions and terminations. The Council have considered the providers identified and the 5 Key Criteria mandated under the Most Suitable Provider process has been used to assess the providers identified for delivery of the service and the proposed contracting model. This will support The Council in ensuring women can access LARC contraception closer to home from trusted specialist healthcare providers without the need for long travel times and waiting times, allowing them to manage their own choices around pregnancy. No conflicts of interest were declared. The MSP process allows for expression of interest from other suitable and qualified providers as part of the process. An Intention of Approach notice was published via Find a Tender service on 6th May 2026 (notice identifier: 2026/S 000-041530) to this effect. Contracts are hereby intended to be awarded to 22 GP practices within the London Borough of Merton. 8 of which are incumbent providers who are to be awarded contracts directly following conclusion of the standstill period. The contracts will run for an initial term of 4 years and 9 months. The total contract value across the provision is £695,486. A standstill period will now be observed before any contracts are awarded Award decision makers: Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Integrated Care & Public Health, in consultation with the Lead Member for Health & Social Care