Thames Valley - Solace Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SLOUGH

Consultation has concluded

Background

There are two SARC services in the Thames Valley. The current premises are:

  • the Solace Centre, Upton Hospital, Church Street, Slough SL1 2BJ, and
  • the Solace Centre, Police House, Queens Ave, Bicester OX26 2NR

This survey focuses on the SARC premises at the Solace Centre in Slough.

Assessment of current premises

Assessment of current premises

Recently the NHS undertook a review of south east SARC services was undertaken to ensure that they are fit for for purpose in terms of capacity and the assess what work / upgrades are required to meet new forensic standards and UKAS accreditation standards.

These new UKAS standards come into effect in October 2025. They include improvements to quality management systems, staff competency, forensic processes, and new accommodation and facilities standards to ensure the integrity of evidence.

The review of the current premises in Slough found that it was not suitable for future SARC needs and not suitable for alteration.

Alternative premises

Several alternative premises in Maidenhead were identified as being potentially suitable, based on criteria that the new facility is:

  • in proximity of Thames Valley police’s operational teams
  • within the travel time indicators for the main Thames Valley population centres, to ensure local health needs are met

The First Floor, Lantern, 1, Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7AA, was found to be the only suitable location.

The proposed premises in Maidenhead is 7.8 miles (12.5 km) from the existing Slough SARC and is typically 20 minutes travel time away.

Public transport

There are regular cross boundary bus and coach services that serve neighbouring towns such as Bracknell, High Wycombe, Slough, Staines and Egham. The Elisabeth tube line and Great Western Main Line runs east-west through Maidenhead.

Background

There are two SARC services in the Thames Valley. The current premises are:

  • the Solace Centre, Upton Hospital, Church Street, Slough SL1 2BJ, and
  • the Solace Centre, Police House, Queens Ave, Bicester OX26 2NR

This survey focuses on the SARC premises at the Solace Centre in Slough.

Assessment of current premises

Assessment of current premises

Recently the NHS undertook a review of south east SARC services was undertaken to ensure that they are fit for for purpose in terms of capacity and the assess what work / upgrades are required to meet new forensic standards and UKAS accreditation standards.

These new UKAS standards come into effect in October 2025. They include improvements to quality management systems, staff competency, forensic processes, and new accommodation and facilities standards to ensure the integrity of evidence.

The review of the current premises in Slough found that it was not suitable for future SARC needs and not suitable for alteration.

Alternative premises

Several alternative premises in Maidenhead were identified as being potentially suitable, based on criteria that the new facility is:

  • in proximity of Thames Valley police’s operational teams
  • within the travel time indicators for the main Thames Valley population centres, to ensure local health needs are met

The First Floor, Lantern, 1, Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7AA, was found to be the only suitable location.

The proposed premises in Maidenhead is 7.8 miles (12.5 km) from the existing Slough SARC and is typically 20 minutes travel time away.

Public transport

There are regular cross boundary bus and coach services that serve neighbouring towns such as Bracknell, High Wycombe, Slough, Staines and Egham. The Elisabeth tube line and Great Western Main Line runs east-west through Maidenhead.