Update on Withnell Health Centre - 5 July 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 (ICB), said: “I want to provide an update ahead of our primary care commissioning committee meeting set up to discuss the procurement exercise at Withnell Health Centre next week.

“Following a robust process the procurement evaluation panel has made a recommendation as to the bidder that should be awarded the contract to provide general medical services at the practice. The panel comprised individuals employed by NHS Greater Manchester ICB, NHS Shared Business Services and three patients of Withnell Health Centre.

“If the recommendation is agreed at the committee on Thursday 11 July, work will begin to sign the final contract and, subject to any challenges during what is known as a standstill period, the new contract will be in effect from 1 October 2024.

“Following the receipt of legal advice, the decision has been taken to hold this discussion as a part two meeting, meaning the public will not be able to attend. This will allow the ICB to notify the successful bidder before making their identity public. A statement will then be published on the ICB website on Friday 12 July to announce the decision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the procurement evaluation process, especially the patients who took part in the evaluation panel, the members of the Withnell patient steering group and the more than 2,000 people who contributed their views as part of the process, ensuring public and patient voice was heard at every stage of the process.”