Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has been awarded a new contract by Essex County Council (ECC) to provide health, engagement and social support services within the criminal justice system which includes; working with the police and street triage teams from 1 April 2018.
The contract is for five years and EPUT will work with Phoenix Futures and Castle Rock Group Medical Services (CRG) to deliver healthcare to vulnerable people who may find themselves inadvertently coming into contact with criminal justice organisations.
ECC commissioned EPUT on behalf of NHS England, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and seven Clinical Commissioning Groups to provide this service throughout Essex.
EPUT will provide an integrated service joining up the Police Custody Healthcare services, Liaison and Diversion teams and Street Triage so that local residents can get appropriate treatment as quickly as possible in a health-based place of safety.
The aim of the new service is to provide an integrated and flexible service which will be seamless, responsive and efficient to those who need it.
EPUT and Phoenix Futures supported by Full Circle currently provide the Liaison and Diversion and Street Triage service and will be working with CRG who will provide the Police Custody Healthcare service.
Sally Morris, Chief Executive at EPUT said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded this contract. It’s a really positive approach to collaborative working which I strongly believe will benefit local people. Our Street Triage teams work in difficult and challenging circumstances, providing much needed support to the police. This collaborative approach for health and criminal justice means that vulnerable people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis will get the support they need in an appropriate environment.”
Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This new contract is a superb example of the public sector commissioning a service together. This new approach focuses on the needs of those requiring care ensuring that bespoke and appropriate support is available at the right time. This is a truly innovative approach which will mean vulnerable people will receive the care they need and won’t be inappropriately diverted into the criminal justice system. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.”