The Solace SARC - Bicester

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

We assessed 1 quality statement under the caring key question. Patients were treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Staff protected patients’ privacy and were aware of the importance of confidentiality.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

Although we were not able to speak with patients directly, we reviewed a sample of patient feedback forms. Patients were positive about all aspects of the service provided and stated they were made to feel safe and comfortable during their visit. Staff were frequently described as welcoming, supportive, and very understanding.

Patients attending the SARC were always welcomed personally by the crisis worker at the door, who took time to explain how the service worked and their role in supporting them throughout their visit. Staff gave us examples of where they had provided caring support to patients. One nurse told us of the additional measures they had implemented to help a young autistic person undertake their forensic examination. Another told us of the caring support they had provided for a hearing-impaired patient.

We noted a container of toys in the waiting area to help keep children occupied whilst at the SARC.

The SARC was in a stand-alone unit on the grounds of a police station and had its own dedicated and discrete entrance. The service only accepted one patient at a time by appointment.

Patients’ privacy and dignity were maintained throughout their medical examinations, and a portable screen was available for patients to undress behind or if needed to shield the examination couch.

Windows in the examination room were screened to prevent passersby looking in. A bathroom was available allowing patients to shower and change after their examination and they were given a care bag containing toiletries which they could use and take away. A clear process was in place to ensure patient intimate images taken during the examination process were managed securely and confidentially.

Patient paper records were held securely in locked fireproof filing cabinets.

All patients who attended the SARC received a phone call following their visit so that staff could check on their welfare and offer additional support if needed.

The judgement for Treating people as individuals is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Independence, choice and control is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Responding to people’s immediate needs is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Workforce wellbeing and enablement is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.