NHS England South (South West) - Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the South West

NHS England South (South West) as Lead Commissioner and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioners and Police, as Co-Commissioners, jointly re-commissioned Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services across the South West.

This procurement was carried out by NHS South, Central & West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.

The contract is split into four geographical lots: 1. Avon & Somerset 2. Devon & Cornwall 3. Swindon & Wiltshire 4. Gloucestershire

The aim of this opportunity was to shape regional provision, clearly setting out services which are core SARC provision and those which are part of the onward referral pathway. The procurement exercise aimed to increase equity of access to SARC provision and ensure a consistent and high standard of quality care to victims of sexual assault, in line with national standards and recommendations set out in Specification No. 30.

The key objectives and outcomes of the commissioning of SARCs are as follows:

• Provide consistency of available services across the South West • Create a borderless and flexible service across the South West • Secure equal access to services across the region (access and travel times) • Increase and improve cross-border links with SARCs outside of the South West region, but within reasonable travel distances • Ensure 24/7 access via telephone • Increase self-referrals • Provide clarity and consistency about services offered to different age groups, i.e. adults and paediatrics • Operate as part of a coherent Sexual Assault Pathway

SARC services within scope of this procurement include: - Provision and co-ordination of premises, facilities and management - Crisis work - Referral to and professional liaison with other services along the sexual assault pathway - Administration

Paediatric services, including the direct employment of paediatricians, forensic doctors and nurses are within lots 1 and 2 only. These lots relate to Avon & Somerset and Devon & Cornwall where 'Centres of Excellence' will be located.

The Commissioner contracted for the services using the National NHS Standard Contract. Contracts will be for an initial duration of 3 years with the option to extend for a further 2 years; services to commence from 1st October 2018.