NHS Surrey Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Tender description

This is a Project which will be delivered jointly by NHS Surrey and Surrey Police Project Summary The NHS Surrey Sexual Assault Referral Centre ( SARC ) will be established as a ‘one stop’ location where victims of sexual assault can receive appropriate medical care, emotional support and counselling, as a first step towards promoting recovery and minimising the risk of subsequent physical and mental difficulties. At the same time victims have the opportunity, if they so wish, to assist the Police investigation into alleged offences, by enabling improved evidence collection through a high standard of forensic examination. The SARC will be : • A dedicated, forensically secure facility centrally located, in a hospital setting integrated with hospital services • Accessible 24/7, with services made available by appointment for victims, or if so required within 4 hours of an initial acute presentation. • Provided by a partnership including linked specialist police officers, skilled health professionals, and the voluntary sector • The facility will be open to all ages, including children and will enable a single co-ordinated response to meet victim’s needs. • The SARC facility will be open during office hours, whilst providing an “out of hours” service when required. A coordinated approach will be taken, with an integrated network of professionals from Health, Police, Social Services and the Voluntary Agencies working closely together to provide victims with a truly comprehensive service from within a “One-stop” facility. The proposed pathway will allow a victim presenting in any setting, i.e. to the Police, Health professional, Social Services, Education services etc, to be entered into the network and treated in an integrated and seamless manner, effectively commencing a therapeutic process for the victim that will help reduce the impact of the trauma already experienced.