Provision of Medical Services for BF Custody Suites

Border Force is a law enforcement command within the Home Office. We secure the UK border by carrying out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the UK.

The scope of the tender is for the provision of healthcare in a Border Force (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)) Customs Custody environment.

This places a specific legal responsibility on the custody officer (usually a Border Force officer) who is responsible for ensuring the legal process is discharged and who has a strict duty of care to all detainees under the PACE 1984 and its Codes of Practice.

PACE Code C sets out the requirements for the detention, treatment and questioning of suspects not related to terrorism. In addition, it provides a legislative framework for Border Force Customs Custody staff as to when it is appropriate to access medical attention

The scope of work is to provide a clinical health care service 24/7 365 days per year across Border Force (BF) Customs custody suites. The service provider is required to fulfil the healthcare requirements of BF, including the handling, processing, recording and reporting of request for service at the required locations. The clinical staff must hold the appropriate qualifications, skill and knowledge to provide the appropriate care, clinical advice and treatment required by individuals.

Clinical staff must be available, when required, to provide the following:

Clinical advice by telephone

Clinical advice by attendance

Assess the fitness of individuals.

Fitness for Interview

Advice at an alternative location