Community health services contract awarded in West Lancashire

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has awarded the contract for community health services in West Lancashire to NHS Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust following a competitive procurement process.

The process was undertaken in line with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations and followed a fair, transparent and proportionate approach. Providers were invited to bid for the new contract, which covers all adult community services, along with the all-age podiatry service, in October 2025.

The contract brings together a range of community health services under one provider, including:

• Community diabetes services
• Community stroke and neuro rehabilitation services
• Intermediate care therapy services

The contract will cover the West Lancashire locality, a predominantly rural district with a population of around 118,000 people, including Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and surrounding villages.

The contract term is three years, with the option to extend for a further two years, running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031. 

A spokesperson for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Community health services play a vital role in supporting people to live well and independently in their own homes. In line with the government’s long-term vision, we want to move care away from hospitals and closer to people’s homes. The decision to award a single contract is intended to provide greater stability for community services, support closer partnership working, and create a strong platform for ongoing improvement and transformation.”

The ICB will now work closely with the existing and new provider to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the contract start date on 1 July 2026. 

For more information visit the ICB website.