Use of Subcontracted Providers

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the standards and procedures governing the engagement and use of subcontracted personnel by Coast Medic Ambulance. It ensures that all subcontracted medical professionals maintain the highest standards of clinical care, safety, and professionalism in alignment with Coast Medic’s operational, ethical, and clinical governance frameworks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all subcontracted personnel performing clinical duties on behalf of Coast Medic Ambulance, including but not limited to:

Paramedics
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Nurses
Other allied healthcare professionals contracted on a temporary or as-needed basis

3. Governance & Compliance

All subcontracted staff must adhere strictly to Coast Medic Ambulance’s clinical governance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational protocols, without exception.

Subcontractors must operate strictly within their scope of practice, as defined by their regulatory body and should follow clinical guidelines.

Any deviation from clinical protocols or unauthorised practice outside of scope may result in immediate termination of engagement and reporting to the relevant professional authority.

4. Human Resources Vetting Process

No subcontractor is permitted to commence work with Coast Medic Ambulance until full vetting and onboarding have been completed by the Human Resources department.

Vetting includes (but is not limited to):

Verification of Professional Registration

We will verify that you have current registration with any required regulatory body, for example Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Proof of Qualifications

We will require evidence of professional qualifications or certificates to support your clinical grade. A record of these will be kept on your personal file.

Reference Checks

We may request two references from previous employers to support your application.

DBS Checks

We require DBS clearance. If you are on the update service we maybe able to complete this process without incurring any fees. You will be responsible for covering the cost of a DBS check if required.

Fitness to Practice Checks

We may contact regulatory bodies and previous employers if there has been any previous fitness to practice concerns.

Occupational Health Clearance

We may require evidence or supporting documentation regarding your immunisations etc.

Only those subcontractors who have received formal HR approval will be placed on Coast Medic’s active roster.

5. Training & Induction

All subcontractors must complete a mandatory induction session before undertaking any shifts. This will cover:

Clinical expectations

Operational policies

Use of equipment and vehicles

Emergency procedures

Patient safety and safeguarding protocols

6. Accountability

Subcontracted staff are accountable to Coast Medic’s clinical leadership while on duty and must follow the direction of designated team leaders or operations managers.

Any incident, near-miss, or concern must be reported immediately through Coast Medic’s internal incident reporting system.

7. Termination of Engagement

Coast Medic Ambulance reserves the right to terminate the services of any subcontractor at its sole discretion for failure to comply with governance requirements, professional misconduct, or breach of policy.

Subcontractors found to be practicing outside of their scope or endangering patient safety will be subject to formal investigation and reported to the appropriate professional body if necessary.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to reflect changes in regulation, best practice, or organizational requirements.