Essex-based health and social care company Care UK has been commissioned by NHS England to run an additional 18 “health in justice” services.

The new contracts reinforce the Colchester company’s position as the UK’s leading independent provider of health services within the justice system, including not only prisons and youth offender establishments but also sexual assault referral centres where victims of rape or sexual assault are supported following an attack.

In addition to the new partnerships, in London, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, West Yorkshire and the Midlands, Care UK has also been re-commissioned to continue providing healthcare services at three prisons in Buckinghamshire.

This means it will now be responsible for delivering healthcare at a total of 30 establishments, with its existing contracts including Highpoint, Hollesley Bay and Warren Hill in Suffolk and Chelmsford in Essex.

Ross Dowsett, deputy managing director for primary care and health in justice service director at Care UK, said: “We have a proven track record in providing healthcare within the justice system and we are delighted to extend our partnerships into these new establishments.

“Our priority is to deliver the highest standards of patient care and we’ll be working closely with our commissioners and partners to develop positive health and wellbeing for the people who we’re responsible for providing healthcare to.”

The new contracts will run for five years and have already commenced.

Mr Dowsett added: “Over the past few months we’ve worked closely with NHS England and our partners to ensure a seamless transition from the incumbent providers.

“Healthcare teams have transferred to us and our partners under the TUPE process on their existing terms and conditions and it’s business as usual for our teams and the patients who our Health in Justice services provide care to.”