Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week 2022
The UK Association of Forensic Nursing and Paramedics is celebrating the UK’s first-ever Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week between the 7th and 13th of November. This week will coincide with the International Association of Forensic Nurses’ Forensic Nurses Week’. Because the UK has a broader, multidisciplinary approach to forensic healthcare, we have chosen a title that reflects this diversity. We want to raise awareness of the campaign and invite you to celebrate with us.
Forensic healthcare practitioners work at the front door of the Criminal Justice System. They work at an intersection between health, justice and forensics with a dual patient and medico-legal responsibility. For Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics, this involves working at an advanced practice level, characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision-making. Working in either police custody or sexual assault referral centres, they are responsible for assessing and treating any injuries or minor illnesses, recognising conditions that require onward referral. In addition, both groups are responsible for forensic examinations and sampling, providing written statements for the courts and giving oral testimony in court as required. However, they do have some differences, outlined below.
Police custody
- Forensic medical examination (including forensic sampling and documentation of injuries);
- Assess an individual’s fitness to be detained and interviewed;
- Assess and manage individuals presenting with a wide range of undiagnosed and undifferentiated complaints, including those presenting with mental illness, self-harm and suicidal thoughts;
- Assess and manage individuals with drug and alcohol intoxication and withdrawal.
Sexual assault referral centres
- Forensic medical examination (including forensic sampling and documentation of injuries);
- Holistic healthcare (i.e., sexual health, pregnancy, mental health and safeguarding risk assessments, planning and onward referrals).
The week aims to celebrate and raise awareness of forensic healthcare practitioners. During the week, the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics will use their social media platforms to:
- Celebrate Forensic Healthcare Practitioners around the UK for their vital role in keeping people safe and assisting the Criminal Justice System in achieving justice.
- Recognise the positive impact Forensic Healthcare Practitioners can have on potentially traumatic experiences for individuals who are already vulnerable.
- Raise awareness of the role of the Forensic Healthcare Practitioner to wider healthcare services and the population. We can take this opportunity to raise awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres for those who have experienced sexual assault or violence.
- Promote the profession to inspire others to consider it a career option.