Blackburn with Darwen Council is to continue its existing arrangements to supply emergency contraception and smoking cessation services through GP surgeries and pharmacies across the borough.

The authority's public heath boss Cllr Damian Talbot has approved continuing the £284,400 a year Local Improvement Services (LIS) agreement, which provides them for at least three years from April 1.

It provides:

  • The delivery of the Stop Smoking Service and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Dispensing Service;
  • The provision of an Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) service involving the supply of Levonorgestrel where appropriate;
  • The provision of a service for Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD); and
  • The provision of the service for the Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC).

Cllr Talbot's decision notice says: "The LIS services will be offered via all GP practices and pharmacy settings in the Blackburn with Darwen area who can comply with the service specifications for the relevant services.

"The estimated value for the Local Improvement Services (LIS) in 2023/24 is £284,400 analysed as follows: Nicotine Replacement Therapy - £118,000; Stop Smoking Service - £41,400; Emergency Hormonal Contraception - £55,000; Intrauterine Contraceptive Device - £35,000; Contraception - £35,000.

"The LIS service is fully funded from the annual Public Health grant allocations. There are no additional financial implications for the council.

"There are no changes to the existing arrangements and resource capacity needed."

The proposal takes effect on April 1 for between three and five years.

The renewal of the existing arrangement will ensure continuity of service, Cllr Talbot adds.