Major Revamp for Cumbria’s Sexual Health Services New Six‑Year Contract Awarded

Cumbria’s public health landscape will soon see a significant transformation in how sexual health services are delivered, after North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) was awarded a new six‑year contract to provide modern, integrated sexual health care across the county.
The contract commissioned jointly by Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council will see NCIC continue as the single provider of sexual health services in Cumbria, with plans to redesign and modernise how care is delivered to meet the evolving needs of residents.
A key focus of the new service model is improving access through a combination of digital platforms and in‑person care, reducing barriers that many people face when seeking advice, testing and treatment. The redesign aims to place greater emphasis on prevention and early detection encouraging regular check‑ups and faster access to support.
The redesigned services will prioritise five major public health outcomes:

Earlier detection of chlamydia
Reducing underage pregnancies
Lowering new transmissions of HIV and STIs
Wider access to long‑acting contraception
Earlier diagnosis of HIV cases

Part of the transformation will include a review of clinic locations and the relocation of the Carlisle base from Hilltop Heights to the more centrally situated Civic Centre a move aimed at improving accessibility for users.
Health leaders say these changes reflect broader shifts in healthcare delivery moving away from exclusively hospital‑based services and towards community‑focused care that meets people where they live and work.
Professor Matt Phillips of NCIC said the award is “a testament to the excellent care teams already provide” and that the service will begin to look very different over the coming months as it adapts to new digital tools and expanded community support options.
Councillors representing both commissioning councils emphasised that the new contract places prevention, accessibility and confidentiality at the heart of sexual health services ensuring residents across Cumbria can get timely and high‑quality support, whether online or in person.
The new service is expected to begin its rollout in the coming weeks, with details on specific clinic times, digital booking and testing services to be communicated to the public soon.