Scope
Reference
C350769
Description
The service is an online testing platform via (SH.UK & Freetest.me which offers fully integrated self-sampling online sexual health service that allows service users to provide their own clinical support and remote screening for STI's) with good level of embedded local clinical support, including direct links into Trust system and pathways. It is hoped that an online service with postal testing and clinic in a box will: • Enable asymptomatic service-users and those with mild symptoms to obtain timely and convenient STI screening without having to contact the clinic. • Be used in conjunction with telephone triage and virtual consultations to streamline low risk asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic individuals so experienced clinicians see the symptomatic, high risk and vulnerable service-users face to face. • Facilitate access to STI screening and treatment for those who find it difficult to attend sexual health services. The kit requesting system should have a two-step verification process to verify real and unique users. The following are covered; • A postal STI screening service. • An online platform integrated with Trust websites, with clinical triage, safeguarding, and eligibility filtering. • Laboratory analysis through a UKAS-accredited facility, with rapid turnaround and secure communication of results.
Contract 1. Provision of External Online Sexual Health Screening Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £280,000 excluding VAT
- £336,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
22 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 July 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 8 months, 9 days
Description of possible extension:
12-month extension.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
12-month extension.
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The requirement is for an integrated external online sexual health service that ensures seamless coordination between self-sampling online sexual health service and local clinical teams for the management of positive results and safeguarding concerns. The supplier operates an online postal STI screening service i.e. the same platform, with corresponding triage algorithm AND "Clinic in a box" community kit screening service that can be given out to asymptomatic service users who attend existing services. This uniquely enables positive cases and safeguarding issues identified via online testing to be managed directly by Trust clinical team. These teams are best placed to provide timely, person-centred care, safeguarding intervention, and fast access to local treatment pathways. The platform allows for the online ordering of STI kits, which are then dispatched via post to the service user. Samples are then returned to the laboratory for testing and negative results are communicated to the service users via the platform. Those with positive results that require treatment would be managed via the Trust clinical teams. The current supplier offers an online testing platform (SH.UK & Freetest.me which offers fully integrated self-sampling online sexual health service that allows service users to provide their own clinical support and remote screening for STI's) with good level of embedded local clinical support, including direct links into Trust system and pathways. This joined-up approach is crucial, not just for ensuring people get the treatment and support they need quickly, but also for making sure any safeguarding concerns are dealt with sensitively and effectively. It gives patients a seamless experience from online testing to in-person care. The supplier being the incumbent is already embedded in the Trust system, which avoids unnecessary disruption, and they actively support outreach work in specialist settings. This level of local integration and support is required to ensure adequate care for the community and accessible to those who need them most.
Supplier
Preventx Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLCN-3361-NJCD
Mbp 5 Meadowhall Business Park, Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
South Yorkshire
S9 2EQ
United Kingdom
Email: info@preventx.com
Region: UKE32 - Sheffield
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Provision of External Online Sexual Health Screening Services
Contracting authority
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHNB-6299-PVMY
Odstock Road
Salisbury
SP2 8BJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government