NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched an ‘Online Sexual Health Services’ framework agreement designed to help local authorities and NHS healthcare organisations deliver essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services online.

The framework agreement enables public sector bodies to procure testing, diagnosis and treatment services from pre-approved suppliers with digital offers, giving communities online access to care, without the need for in-person consultations.

Services which can be procured via the framework include contraceptive advice and self-tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Michael Sevilla Hughes, category manager – health at NHS SBS, said: “For many individuals, in-person consultations can feel intimidating or embarrassing, potentially delaying access to care.

“Online channels can prove less prohibitive and encourage consumers forward to test, treat and take preventative measures.

“Using this framework agreement, local authorities and NHS organisations can streamline the commissioning of online services that address three key areas: STI testing and treatment, contraception, and HIV prevention.

“The digital element can help improve reach and reduce appointment waits and costs.”

The framework agreement runs from 29 October 2025 to 29 October 2029, with an option to extend for up to two years.

It supports Level 3 sexual health clinics – specialist community sexual health services which include the provision of confidential and open-access sexual health services – to modernise HIV treatment pathways.

Clinics can connect with providers offering remote management solutions covering HIV prevention, post-exposure treatment and ongoing monitoring, such as virtual consultations, home delivery of antiretroviral medication and home-testing kits for regular health checks.

Sevilla Hughes added: “The government’s 10 year plan sets out three radical shifts for healthcare – from hospital to community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention, ambitions which the framework agreement aligns with.

“By offering discreet, convenient, and accessible digital pathways, online and virtual options can encourage earlier engagement with vital sexual healthcare and treatment.

“In tandem with conventional pathways, this approach improves reach to more diverse populations and bridges gaps in areas where local clinics or support services are limited, helping to shape a more inclusive, preventative and future-ready NHS.”

Lot 1 of the framework covers online STI testing and treatment, providing a service for the online diagnosis and treatment of STIs, including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia.

The service includes online triaging, laboratory pathology, remote result management, and treatment prescriptions.

Lot 2 focuses on providing accessible online contraception, including routine and emergency hormonal contraceptive pills, self-administered contraceptive injections and pregnancy testing. It includes online condom distribution services.

Lot 3 addresses HIV prevention and treatment with online services for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Earlier this month, NHS SBS launched a £150 million framework agreement for digital dictation, speech recognition and outsourced transcription services as well as its Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework agreement worth £2.5 bn.