Update on Withnell Health Centre – 14 March 2024

The following statement provides an update on Withnell Health Centre:

Professor Craig Harris, chief operating officer for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “The Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s Primary Care Commissioning Committee has today approved a competitive procedure under the Provider Selection Regime to appoint a long-term provider for Withnell Health Centre.

“Based on consideration of all procurement routes and the associated published guidance, we believe that this is the option which will give the quickest route to securing the best outcome for Withnell Health Centre and its patients and staff.

“The ICB has engaged widely with the local population and the feedback will make a valuable contribution to the competitive procedure. The committee was clear that it is important for the new evaluation process to be used, which we have developed from involvement of the patient steering group, and which involves local people and embeds learning from the procurement process in 2022. 

“We recognise the concern within the community and the potential impact on staff and patients and this decision provides an opportunity for a potentially quicker resolution within the timeframes we have set out, while ensuring we follow due process for equity and fairness.”

More information, frequently asked questions and key updates will be shared on the Withnell Health Centre page on our website.