Miscellaneous health services

Description

The service will provide an option of either a 1 stage or 2 stage vasectomy procedure carried out under local anaesthetic, using the “no scalpel” technique, in community settings. The health professional will promote the 2 stage process for vasectomy as this ensures the patient has a 2 week cooling off period before having permanent sterilisation. The service clinics may be provided between core hours (9:00 — 17:00) but where possible there should also be out of hours provision in order to meet patient need and provide patient choice. The service will offer advice to other primary and secondary healthcare professionals as necessary. The service was commissioned using the Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process. The service will provide an option of either a 1 stage or 2 stage vasectomy procedure carried out under local anaesthetic, using the “no scalpel” technique, in community settings. The health professional will promote the 2 stage process for vasectomy as this ensures the patient has a 2 week cooling off period before having permanent sterilisation. The service clinics may be provided between core hours (9:00 — 17:00) but where possible there should also be out of hours provision in order to meet patient need and provide patient choice. The service will offer advice to other primary and secondary healthcare professionals as necessary. The service was commissioned using the Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process. In securing services under the AQP process assurance of competence, quality and safety standards were required. Any provider was eligible to join the qualified provider list subject to them demonstrating competency against specified criteria. Qualified providers are expected to deliver the service under the NHS Standard Contract. As a qualified provider, there are no levels guaranteed activity and payment will be made based on actual provision.