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Unease over relocation of Devon and Cornwall sexual assault forensic centre from Plymouth to St Austell
Overview
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) providing forensic medical examinations for Devon and Cornwall is being relocated from Plymouth to St Austell, despite opposition from local MPs and councillors. The new facility at Carlyon House in St Austell, scheduled to open in 2027, will replace existing centres in Plymouth and Truro because they do not meet new national accreditation standards. While local leaders expressed concern that longer travel distances would increase distress and discourage reporting, NHS officials stated that transport and trained police escorts will be provided, and that ongoing crisis and recovery support will remain available in Plymouth.
Key points
- The Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is moving from Plymouth to St Austell, with a new facility expected to open in 2027.
- Local politicians, including Plymouth City Council leaders and MP Luke Pollard, opposed the move over fears that longer journeys would increase victim distress and deter reporting.
- The relocation is driven by the need to meet new national standards, as the current facilities in Plymouth and Truro cannot be upgraded.
- A new support hub at Brunswick House in Plymouth will continue to provide face-to-face crisis and recovery support regardless of whether victims choose to undergo a forensic examination.
- NHS England stated that transport and trained police escorts will be provided for individuals travelling for forensic medical examinations.