New custody contract begins but cost questions remain

Thursday 04 January 2024

A new custody healthcare provider has entered service for Bailiwick Law Enforcement, but BLE won’t say whether the new contract will be a saving to the taxpayer or not.

UK-based PHL Group was awarded a contract to provide forensic medical services to the island after the previous provider, local firm Healthcare Group, decided not to continue from 31 December.

No local healthcare groups expressed interest in submitting a final tender bid for the contract, and so law enforcement was forced to seek an external provider.

It declined to answer Express’ questions on the financial details of the contract saying it’s “commercially sensitive and answering it could impact any future contract negotiations”

But it added that “robust” States procurement processes “always seek value for money and quality of service”.

“PHL Group offered the best overall package when considering the experience in this area they have, value for money, and other key factors,” a spokesperson said.

However, it was confirmed that the new contract saw three people recruited and employed by PHL in-island, while the previous contract saw “approximately five” doctors covering shifts on a call-out basis.

The team is supported by “an extensive support network” of health workers known to law enforcement to assist when required.

Bailiwick Law Enforcement's new custody healthcare arrangement with PHL Group began today.
The company was awarded the contract last year following a tender process, and the expiration of the former contract on 31st December 2023.
For more: https://t.co/V260UPKnFz pic.twitter.com/rOIfwRkU5B

— Guernsey Police (@GuernseyPolice) January 3, 2024

PHL offers wide-ranging medical services in the UK but specifically custody healthcare services in the City of London, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. 

They take over from a local team of doctors through Healthcare Group who delivered the service for more than 20 years, but two doctors supported law enforcement for much longer.

Dr Nick King and Dr Mark Downing were presented with Border Agency and Police shields to thank them for long service, with the latter saying stepping away from the role came with “a mixture of sadness and relief” due the “diverse challenges” of the job while working as full-time GPs.

Speaking on the new contract, Ruari Hardy, Head of Law Enforcement, said “timely and professional healthcare is a vital part of our service delivery".

“We are very fortunate to be able to draw upon their experience working within custody in forces across the UK. In addition the employment, training and development of local health professionals to deliver the service is an essential element of the business model."

He promised that new contract would enhance what’s been offered for the past decades, thanking PHL for entering the fold promptly.

Dr Will Anderson, Forensic Clinical Lead at PHL, said he relished the challenged of establishing custody services in the island.

“This endeavour signifies not just a service expansion, but a commitment to providing compassionate and specialised care, ensuring the well-being and dignity of individuals in custody,” he added.