Troubled sexual health clinic returns to NHS
PA MediaA sexual health service which had been criticised by inspectors and placed in special measures is to be transferred back to the NHS.
The Care Quality Commission found Solutions 4 Health (S4H) Newcastle had breached legal regulations, including putting people at risk of contamination, at its first inspection since the private company took over from the NHS in 2023.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a £6.7m contract to take over the clinic, which is now based in Summerhill's Ravensworth Terrace, until the end of February 2028.
Labour-led Newcastle City Council said the trust had a "long history of providing quality services across the region".
The clinic was previously run by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust but was transferred to S4H when the private firm was the only bidder in a tender process.
It offers services including testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases, contraception and family planning advice.
Staff had spoken out over an "oppressive and bullying culture" and shortcomings in infection prevention, while the healthcare watchdog also criticised a shortage of appointments and delays in test results and treatment.
It is expected that a managed handover to the NHS trust will begin this month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Adam Walker, Newcastle City Council's cabinet member for adult social care, health and prevention, said multiple organisations expressed interest in taking on the contract.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said: "As a trust, we have a great deal of expertise and experience in providing high quality sexual health services and we look forward to offering this in Newcastle."
Before moving to its current location, the service was based at New Croft House in the city centre and then Hadrian House, where the CQC inspection took place.
