Sexual Health Testing - FOI Response Register

We are researching the use of online sexual health testing services.  These services allow citizens concerned that they may have a sexually transmitted infection to order a test kit to be sent to their home, and then to either self-test at home, or return a sample to the laboratory, receive a result usually via email or text message, and to obtain medicines and further advice if required.

Please answer the following questions in relation to online sexual health services.

1. Does the authority commission or procure these services.

No

2. In each of the financial periods 2021-22, 2022-23, April to December 2024

a.        How much did the authority spend on these services?

b.        How many citizens were tested using online services?

The Board provides the service as part of the sexual health provision. When people phone for or email for an appointment, questions are asked, and if suitable, testing kits are posted to the home address for self testing. Samples are then returned to the lab.

3. How much was spent (by the authority or predecessor organisations) in each period with each of the following providers for online sexual health services?

a.      Preventx

b.      SH 24

c.      TDL or their NHS joint venture, Health Service Laboratories

d.      Viapath

e.      Synlab or their joint venture, Synnovis

f.      Lloyd’s pharmacy

g.      NHS Trusts/ their laboratory services

h.      Other.  Please name any provider where the spend in any year exceeded £100,000

No additional expenditure as the tests would normally be offered as part of the sexual health service except the tests are done at home instead of in the clinic.

4. When did the authority last issue a tender for these services?

N/A

5. When does the current contract expire?

N/A