- Community healthcare service
The Elms
Assessment report published 8 June 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 12 of May 2026.
The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers medical, practical and emotional support to adults, young people and children who have experienced sexual assault including rape. The centre is staffed by forensically trained clinicians and crisis workers.
The SARC is managed by Mountain Healthcare Limited and is commissioned by 7 Force Commercial Services, alongside NHS England to provide clinical healthcare and forensic services. It opens 365 days a year and operates a 24 hour a day service. From 9pm to 9am, the site is used for the regionally commissioned nighttime clinic.
The premises have been specifically designed to meet all ISO 15189 Standards and Forensic Science Regulator requirements to ensure high quality evidence is obtained to support patients through the criminal justice system. At the time of the inspection, it was awaiting assessment and accreditation with UKAS.
During the inspection we spoke with the associate head of healthcare, the regional contracts manager, the registered manager, a crisis worker and a forensic nurse examiner. We checked the premises for access, fire safety and cleanliness. We reviewed the SARC’s policies and procedures, and other records about how the service is managed. Prior to our visit we met with a representative from the provider’s HR department to review staff recruitment information.
We assessed 10 quality statements in total under the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions.
We found the provider was meeting the relevant regulations. The service was supported by strong leadership, effectivegovernanceand a committed workforce. Patients received a good standard of care and treatment. Their needs were appropriately assessed, and care was planned and delivered in line with current best practice guidance. There was a structured programme of clinical audit in place to monitor and improve the quality and standard of care provided.