Custody Healthcare Telephone Advice Service and Pharmaceutical Service - RFI

Reason for this Request for Information (RFI) (x2)- The Procurement Team are requesting information from providers who are interested in providing either or both: 1. Telephone advice service for custody healthcare and 2. A pharmaceutical element to the overall service provision.

We are looking to understand whether there is suitable capability and capacity in the market before we issue a formal invitation to tender. The responses will be used to assist us in the development of our approach to this procurement and determine the most suitable route to market.

Custody Healthcare Telephone Advice Service involves the provision of healthcare professionals to act in a consulting capacity over the telephone, for Custody HCP's and staff employed by Kent Police for the healthcare need of individuals in Police Custody. This is to ensure a strict duty of care is aligned to national legislation which is strictly governed particularly with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and its code of practice. As well as other legislative guidelines which need to be followed by the Police and Custody Officers.

Kent Police have a healthcare led team of 23 FTE nurses and paramedics to provide a healthcare service to all 7 Custody suits across the county. Kent Police also have two Forensic Healthcare Managers who are both qualified nurses. The FHP's work to a 21.5-hour rota, 07:30 hours until 05:00 hours, 7 days a week and are responsible for the healthcare provision provided to detained persons whilst in the custody environment and Police Officers, staff and victims of crime.

To support this work, Kent Police Custody require a healthcare professional service to include appropriately trained and vetted staff with their own insurance and indemnity cover, and to be registered with the GMC and qualified in Forensic Healthcare delivery.

Kent Police also require a Custody Healthcare Pharmacy Service to replace their existing model of a pharmacist delivering services. The requirement is for the supply and delivery of medications, including Controlled Drugs, administered by Forensic Healthcare Practitioners in the custody environment. In addition, Kent Police wish to engage the services of a lead pharmacist in order to support the Forensic Medical Service in reviewing and overseeing the Patient Group Directive (PGD). Providing training to Forensic Medical Practitioners in the PGD, providing advise and guidance around all matters pertaining to medicine management including attendance at quarterly clinical governance meetings and support with Home Office Controlled drugs audits.

This opportunity is available via the 7 Force Commercial Tendering Portal. To register, visit https://7force.force.com/ProSpend__eSourcing_Community_Registration?locale=uk

If you are already registered on the Portal, you can login here: https://7force.force.com/login