Decision details

The cooperative working agreement was a great way to work with a provider jointly to get the best service for Sandwell residents. As such, the Council sought to benefit further from the agreement by adding more services to it. The Cooperative working agreement was due a review of costs as it had not been updated since its inception 6 years ago. The increase in costs were necessary as the Council operated transparently regarding expenses and understood the outlay for the service was going beyond its budget.

Agreed;--

1.1    That the Director of Public Health be authorised to add further services to the long-standing Co-operative working agreement with Sandwell West Birmingham Hospital (within the time frames necessary based on their current agreements) as follows:-

•  School Nursing and vision screening– currently provided by Sandwell West Birmingham Trust until 2024 following successful tender

•  Pilot a 2-year Healthy Pregnancy Service – a new service with mutual contribution between SMBC, Integrated Care Board Tobacco control and the Trust to target those most at risk of poor maternity outcomes, and in the event this is successful at reducing poor birth outcomes, to continue the programme.

1.2    That the Director of Public Health be authorised to review and increase the financial contribution to the co-operative agreement with Sandwell West Birmingham Hospital in line with current inflation and (max 15% over 3 years) to bolster service areas or invest in wider quality improvements identified as requiring extra resource due to local pressures.

1.3    That the Director of Public Health be authorised to increase contribution to the Co-operative working agreement with Sandwell West Birmingham Hospital where necessary, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation to Officers.