Commissioning a New Stop Smoking Service contract:

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Commissioning a New Stop Smoking Service contract

• Leicestershire and Rutlands experience

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Hello, my name is

• Aaron W. Bohannon MPH, CHES
• Senior Public Health Manager
• Leicestershire County Council, Public Health
  Department. Also commission on behalf of Rutland
  County Council
• Cancer and Tobacco Control lead

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Background

• Leicestershire County Council (LCC) is a rural
  two-tier county council. LCC commission services
  on behalf of Rutland County Council which is
  also rural but a Unitary authority.
• Like many (most?) health departments in England,
  LCC is still adjusting to life in the local
  authority (LA) and the budget situation before us.

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Background cont

• As a result, we are engaging in a structured
  process of procurement for all contracts and
  planning for future commissioning.
• As part of that planned procurement, the Stop
  Smoking Service contract was up for renewal.
• We took this as an opportunity to make some
  changes to the contract.

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A word from our sponsor

• Before I continue, let me just say that this
  presentation is aimed at, and intended for,
  commissioners. I understand there may be
  providers in the room and that is fine.
• I also appreciate that there may be some strong
  feelings about aspects of this presentation.
• Im happy to answer questions but please lets
  keep this professional.
• Thank you. ?

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Intent

• Lengthen the contract/ funding period
• Reduce our financial vulnerability without
  putting it all on the provider
• Improve value for money
• Contribute to local market development

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The old spec

• 100 Block
• Year on year
• 4WQs
• No teeth

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Changes

• The revised service spec had a few notable
  changes to previous LCR specs
• Moved from year on year to 311
• Moved from 100 block contract to include an
  annually increased Payment by Result (PbR)
  element.
• Maintained 4 week quits as a measure and added 12
  week quits. Linked 4 performance measures to PbR
  4WQ, 12WQ, HIQ and CO validation
• Focused on robust CO validation
• Required NCSCT accreditation within 12 months of
  award

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Reactions were, um, mixed
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But not all bad
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The Process

• As this was new for me/ us, we opted for a 2
  stage process to manage potential interest.
• In case youre unfamiliar the 1st stage was
  expressions of interest and the 2nd was
  invitations to bid.
• The first stage saw quite a bit of interest from
  both expected, and a few unexpected, providers.
• The second stage we invited 6 of those to bid.

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The Process cont

• At this point something odd (to me anyway)
  happened. Not everyone who expressed an interest
  and was invited to bid ended up bidding.
• Once bids were reviewed and scored, and following
  interview, an offer was made.
• The new contract started 1 April this year.

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The Transition

• Most of the previous staff TUPEd over.
• Im pleased to say that the previous provider
  worked well with the new provider to enable a
  relatively smooth transition.
• Given that its a new provider, I would have
  expected a slight dip or at least a plateau in
  Q1.
• Comparing April and May this year to same time
  last year, the numbers accessing the service and
  the number of quit dates set are up from the same
  time last year.

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Food for Thought

• Know the market and your local needs
• The market isnt perfect but dont be afraid.
• Speak to other commissioners but make your
  decision locally
• 100 block contracts are no longer fit for
  purpose.
• Our academic leaders really need to start giving
  us more evidence on 12 WQs
• Appreciate Tobacco Control and cessations place
  within it

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Aaron W. Bohannon MPH, CHES

• E aaron.bohannon_at_leics.gov.uk
• P 0116 305 4204