Sexual health services across Oxfordshire face significant uncertainty as the future of the provision remains unclear.
Staff members employed within the service have expressed deep concern regarding their employment prospects following an announcement from Oxford University Hospitals Trust.
The trust has decided against assuming responsibility for sexual health services from April 2027.
Officials have indicated that the proposed arrangement would conflict with objectives outlined in the government’s ten-year strategy for the health service.
Oxfordshire County Council currently commissions these services through a contract due to expire at the end of March.
Approximately eighty employees have learned their positions may be at risk following communication received last Thursday.
An individual familiar with the situation described staff members as severely distressed, uncertain about potential next steps.
The communication reportedly included instructions to avoid media contact.
Despite the trust’s withdrawal decision, officials have committed to ensuring continued service provision if alternative arrangements cannot be established.
TUPE regulations could potentially safeguard staff positions should a new provider assume responsibility.
The trust offers comprehensive sexual health services, including testing, treatment, contraception, and HIV support across county clinics.
The current contract represents a substantial annual investment of £5.6 million, funded through public health allocations and awarded in 2019.
A spokesperson for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explained that the organisation chose not to accept the direct award of the contract for sexual health services from the county council commencing in April 2027.
The council has been informed of this decision, and the trust has emphasised its commitment to maintaining these services beyond April 2027 should a replacement provider not be secured by that date, thereby protecting patient care.
This position reflects the direction outlined in the government’s national ten-year plan, which prioritises sexual health provision within community settings rather than hospital environments.
The Trust Board will consider whether to submit a bid when convening on September 30.
Representatives for Oxfordshire County Council indicated that when a commissioned service contract approaches its conclusion, standard practice involves conducting a tendering exercise.
The existing provider retains the option to submit a proposal for the subsequent contract without any obligation to continue service delivery.
As a statutory public health responsibility, sexual health support will persist beyond April 2027 regardless of which entity ultimately delivers the provision.
Oxford City Council was approached for additional commentary.
Oxford University Hospitals Trust did not address questions regarding allegations that staff members had been instructed not to contact media organisations.