Provision of a Safe Bus for Plymouth City Centre - NHS Devon

Devon Clinical Commissioning Group have commissioned a Provider to deliver a Safe Bus into Plymouth City centre to support people and providers within the night-time economy, with the aim of reducing ambulance and Emergency Department (ED) attendances.

The Provider will provide a Safe Bus service that is clinically staffed and a safe place.

The service will aim to deliver: -

• Reduce the number of calls to the ambulance service for those within the night- time economy
• Reduce the number of people who present at the Emergency Department either by self-referral or by ambulance with no more than 15% (pilot achieved 12.5%) of patients having an onward referral to ED (either by ambulance or advised to self-present)

club/ police/ street pastors etc.

• Support the homeless population within the area, by providing support, first aid and sign posting to appropriate in hours services

As well as a safe space for people in a vulnerable state the ambulance will provide clinical assessment, first aid, fluid replacement and a safe place for people.

Patients will be able to self-present or may be assisted through Police, Ambulance service, street pastors, security staff etc.

The Provider will provide the following for each deployment:

1. x Lead paramedic
1. x Student paramedic
2. x Emergency Care Assistance

St John's Support (or equivalent)

2. x Security (for Bus safety) 2200-0400
2. x Taxi Marshalls (to support those leaving the bus and others)

The provider will also provide a front-line ambulance (along with all consumables and equipment normally found on a front-line ambulance) which is able to convey a patient to hospital if required.

The Safe Bus itself will be provided by the Police and Plymouth City Bus, who will also ensure it is in place for operational nights.

Two security personals will be arranged to support the staff on the safe bus on each of the operational nights.

This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s).

The contract is for a 52 week term with an option to extend for a further 1 year, subject to funding.