A HEALTHCARE firm employed to run skin care services for patients has had its contract axed by NHS bosses.

Concerns were raised about Concordia Community Outpatients Ltd after patients were subjected to delays in receiving their medication to treat dermatological conditions, because legal agreements were not in place.

The firm was awarded a five-year contract to deliver dermatology (skin care), including to people with cancer, at Colchester at Abbey Field Medical Centre, Tollgate Surgery and Creffied Medical Centre.

Hospitals offering its dermatology services include Colchester Hospital, Clacton Hospital and the Fryatt Hospital in Dovercourt as well as Essex County Hospital in Colchester which will close for good next month.

But the contract is to end in July 2019 after just two years.

The North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which awarded the contract, is designing a new dermatology service to start in July 2019.

A spokeswoman said: “The decision to retender the contract for dermatology services has been made following termination of the existing contract. The contract termination was on a no-fault basis.”

Members of the CCG’s nursing and quality team carried out inspections in August and September and highlighted concerns over Concordia at the Fryatt Hospital, Dovercourt.

Their report said: “Standards of hygiene and cleanliness in a number of areas did not comply with national standards, medication was out of date, specimens were inappropriately stored in a medication fridge and Concordia staff were unaware of how to access organisational policies.”

The CCG said in September it was assured by Concordia improvements had been implemented.

Under the new contract, dermatology patients face more treatment at GP surgeries and in their homes instead of hospital.

The CCG says the move will mean different services are merged into a “single pathway”.

Around 24,000 people in north Essex receive dermatology care a year.

The length, value of the new contract and whether it will save the CCG money has not been confirmed.

One of the aims of the new service is to encourage “collaborative working to maximise the resources it has to offer value for money….. the service will work in partnership with other organisations to provide a quality service.”

Concordia was asked why the contract was ended early.
But last night a spokesman argued: “The no-fault termination was not connected to any performance matters.”

Last night the news was met with anger.

Colchester Labour parliamentary candidate Tina McKay said: 

"This is yet another example of private healthcare providers letting the people of Colchester down.

"The Tories are destroying our NHS by bleeding it dry. I support a publicly funded and free at the point of contact NHS for all."

A  spokesperson for independent voice Healthwatch Essex, said: “It is important to us that patient experience is put at the heart of how services are designed and delivered in Essex.

"Whilst we are not aware of the specific circumstances which led to this contract being terminated, we are pleased to see that the public is being consulted about how dermatology services are provided in the future. 
“We would encourage people in North East Essex to ensure that their voices are heard as changes are made to the way this service is provided." 

Under the new contract, patients will be supported with care closer to their home, through community services which would be led by consultants and nurses.

A CCG online survey, asking for the public’s feedback, states: “We are looking to combine different services into a single service, making sure we see people at the right time, in the right place, and deliver good outcomes for patients.

“We will expect the new service to work very closely with other parts of the NHS - such as GP practices.”

It adds: “We would like feedback on how and whether services could be improved for the future and what is working well that we need to celebrate and ensure continues in the future.

“Please tell us about your experiences, good and bad, and what is important to you regarding the Dermatology service.”

To take part in the survey go to bit.ly/NEEdermatology.

To request a paper survey, call the PALS team on 01206 918730.