009/2012: Contract extension with Medacs – 22 November 2012

Executive Summary and recommendation

The Police and Crime Commissioner is asked to approve signing of the variation changes to the current Medacs contract.

These changes ensure:-

• That Medacs continue to provide Health Care Needs in relation to Offender Health whilst in Custody.
• Continue to provide forensic and medical needs to all victims of rape and serious sexual assault.
• Acknowledge that there are changes to attendance times for examinations of victims of rape and serious sexual assault.
• The enhancement of the above service to enable Medacs to travel out of North Yorkshire Boundaries.
• The continuation of the provision of Nurses for rape and serious sexual assault examinations.
• Changes to the SLA in relation to performance.

Officer decision under delegated powers

Approved

Joanna Carter

Date 22 November 2012

Title: Chief Executive- Office of Police and Crime Commissioner

Part 1 – Unrestricted facts and advice to the PCC

1. Introduction and background

North Yorkshire Police worked with colleagues from the North Yorkshire Police Authority to establish the provision of effective health provision within NYP Custody facilities along with medical service provision that secured the examination of, and forensic samples being obtained from, victims of sexual assault.

The contract was finalised with MEDACS in February 2010. The contract was for an initial three years with the option to extend by two further periods of twelve months up to a maximum of five years.

The current performance of MEDACS is very positive with strong contract management arrangements in place. MEDACS have worked very positively with NYP to adapt its service provision to better meet the diverse needs of the communities of North Yorkshire and the City of York.

In April 2015 the provision of offender healthcare will transfer from being the responsibility of the Chief Constable to the National Health Service. North Yorkshire Police are in the very early stages of working with Health colleagues towards this transition. This work is expected to take over twelve months to complete.

Until transfer to the NHS it is essential that the current health care arrangements be maintained. The process of securing continuation was commenced following the support of NYPA being confirmed in June 2012. It was anticipated that the contract variation would be complete in October 2012, however the final stages of the process have taken slightly longer, hence this coming before the PCC at an early stage in her period of office.

2. Matters for consideration

The Police and Crime Commissioner is asked to approve signing of the variation changes to the current MEDACS contract.

These changes ensure:-

• That MEDACS continue to provide Health Care Needs in relation to Offender Health whilst in Custody.
• Continue to provide forensic and medical needs to all victims of rape and serious sexual assault.
• Acknowledge that there are changes to attendance times for examinations of victims of rape and serious sexual assault.
• The enhancement of the above service to enable MEDACS to travel out of North Yorkshire Boundaries.
• The continuation of the provision of Nurses for rape and serious sexual assault examinations.
• Changes to the SLA in relation to performance.

3. Other options considered, if any

Not taking up the option of the twelve month extension would have presented NYP with one option, that would have been to give notice to MEDACS and to enter into a full procurement process. This was not felt appropriate due to the impending national changes described above, along with the current high levels of performance by MEDACS.

4. Contribution to Police and Crime Plan outcomes

The delivery of the service by MEDACS provides trained and accredited medical practitioners working within the custody environment. The health and well being of persons arrested across North Yorkshire and the City of York is essential. Equally important is the ability to secure the examination of victims’ sexual crimes including the securing of samples that are capable of supporting criminal enquiries.

The services provided assist in delivering outcomes against all the strategic aims of North Yorkshire Police.

5. Consultations carried out

The consultation for this amendment has been carried out with NYP, MEDACS and Regional Procurement. As this is a Contract Variation, which continues and enhances the current service provided, there has been no requirement for external consultation.

6. Financial Implications/Value for money

In relation to Administration of Justice there are no cost implications to NYP.

In relation to examinations of victims of rape and sexual assaults, NYP pay a fixed fee per examination. There is no increase to this, there are no increased costs associated with the training of Nurses.

Budget provision is made within the Medium Term Financial Plan at appropriate levels.

7. Legal Implications

Having read this report and having considered such information as has been provided at the time of being asked to express this view, the Deputy Force Solicitor is satisfied that this report does not ask the PCC for North Yorkshire to make a decision which would (or would be likely to) give rise to a contravention of the law.

8. Equality Implications

There are no negative diversity or equality impacts as a result of this proposal.

Due to the fact that MEDACS will now be able to travel out of County there is the potential for an increase in victim satisfaction with not having to travel long distances to York. Additionally the provision of more female medical examiners will further enhance the current service provided.