Police Custody Healthcare and Forensic Medical Services

Lanarkshire Health Board, a statutory body constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, wishes to procure healthcare services for people brought to Police Offices and healthcare facilities within the NHS Lanarkshire area in support of Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division.

This service will provide signposting and direct referral to the following services:

• Primary and secondary care for physical health needs.
• Primary and secondary care for Mental Health needs
• Clear pathways and links to substance misuse, alcohol services, and sexual health services.

Forensic Medical Examiners (FMEs) will provide 24/7/365 primary medical care to those who are ill or perceive themselves to be ill and have been referred by Police Scotland. When required, FMEs will provide general healthcare and forensic medical assessment of people in police custody/suspects in police custody, complainants/complainers (alleged victims) of crime, police officers injured while on duty; and in exceptional circumstances attend scenes of death in the event of suspicious or unexplained circumstances, at such locations as Police Scotland request. FMEs with the support of nursing staff at peak periods, will prescribe and oversee the dispensing and administration of medication to those in custody.

FMEs will provide interpretation of their findings to the police, solicitors, and courts verbally and in writing. Statements for court and presentation of evidence in court are required in a proportion of these cases (FFLM 2010). Additional information: Information provided on the duration of the contract is the maximum duration including extension options specifically allowed for within the contract. The initial term shall be 36 months with options to extend thereafter.