Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to continue its participation in the pan-London sexual health programme, London sexual health and contraceptive online service.
The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on 14 July 2025, where councillors agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of London Corporation, the lead authority for procuring sexual health and contraceptive e-services. The Procurement of Hammersmith Fulhams Sexual Health E-Service Offer report indicates that the City of London Corporation will be undertaking a procurement process using the Provider Selection Regime Regulations (PSR). A soft market testing exercise in 2024 suggested a preference from suppliers for a contract term of between 5 and 10 years.
Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, introduced the report, emphasising the importance of these services. The Cabinet then delegated the decision to enter into an Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) with the City of London Corporation to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.
The Procurement of Hammersmith Fulhams Sexual Health E-Service Offer report highlights the significance of the online service, noting that over 100,000 STI tests have been ordered in Hammersmith and Fulham through it. The report also details the impact the service has had on detecting infections, stating that there have been almost 3,000 positive chlamydia tests, over 1,000 positive gonorrhoea tests, and just under 2,000 reactive syphilis tests since the service launched.
The service, hosted by SHL.UK, provides remote contraception and STI, HIV, and blood-borne virus testing and results management for sexually active individuals aged 16 and over. The new service procured will be an evolution of the current contract so that it is reflective of London's current context, needs and makes best use of available technologies. It is likely to continue to be comprised of a core and standardised service offer across London, with additional service modules that commissioning Authorities can elect to 'turn on' for their residents.
The e-services contract will be for an initial period of five years, starting 15 August 2026, with the option to extend for two further periods of two years each.
