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Forensic Healthcare Practitioners

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Dear Member or follow

As we approach the festive season and the end of a remarkable year, I extend my warmest greetings to those celebrating Christmas and acknowledge this time as an opportunity for all to cherish moments with loved ones.

Your unwavering commitment and support over the past year have been phenomenal. Each of you, working in police custody or SARCs, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience. Your contributions have been vital in advancing our collective goals and impacting lives positively.

I also extend my deepest gratitude to our steering group. Your voluntary contributions, expertise, and dedication have been fundamental to our success.

Reflecting on 2023, we celebrated the success of the second #FHPWeek, Forensic Health Practitioner Week in November. This event highlighted our collective achievements and showcased the dedication within our community. A special congratulations to Mr. Francis Akinlolul, the deserving recipient of The Julie Tekin Award for Outstanding Contribution in Forensic Healthcare.

As we usher in 2024, I encourage each of you to adopt a professional New Year’s resolution: to spread the word about UKAFNP and inspire at least one new person to join our community. Together, we can expand our reach and impact.

Exciting developments await us in 2024:

  • The launch of our new, dynamic website
  • Streamlined membership processes
  • Transition to our new domain, UKAFNP, replacing UKAFN
  • A new email address for better connectivity
  • The development of our Expert Witness Academy
  • Finalisation of education induction standards by our Education Forum
  • The Research Forum’s collaboration with practitioners on quality improvement projects and research
  • Our ongoing efforts to engage with national bodies, government, and groups, advocating for forensic nurses and paramedics and those we serve

We remain committed to publishing our quarterly newsletter, The Helix 🧬, and encourage your active participation and contributions.

As we celebrate this festive season, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s step into 2024 with renewed energy, purpose, and a shared vision for excellence in forensic healthcare.

Should you have any questions or wish to get involved further, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,

Ms. Jennie Smith
President
UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics

Next week is Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week 2023

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Introduction

The UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP) is proud to announce the second annual Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week (#FHPWeek), building on the success of last year’s inaugural event. The week-long campaign (6-12 November 2023) aims to celebrate, educate, and raise awareness about the vital role that forensic healthcare practitioners play in the UK’s healthcare and justice systems.

Forensic healthcare practitioners work in either police custody or sexual assault referral centres, although some work across both settings. Broadly, 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. 

Aims

  • To celebrate the hard work and dedication of forensic healthcare practitioners.
  • To raise awareness about the specialised skills and knowledge required in this field.
  • To engage with commissioners, professional organisations, and the public to underscore the importance of forensic healthcare.

The theme for 2023: Justice through care

This year’s theme, ‘Justice through care’, focuses on the intersection of healthcare and justice, emphasising the role of forensic healthcare practitioners in making the unseen Seen. The campaign aims to highlight the often-overlooked yet critical contributions of these professionals in healthcare and justice settings.

Getting involved

We invite all stakeholders, from practitioners to commissioners and the general public, to get involved in this important week. Here are some ways you can participate:

  • Social Media Campaign: Share your skills and knowledge on social media using our downloadable “Skills & Knowledge” board. Use the hashtag #FHPWeek and tag us @UKAFN.
  • Open Letter: Read and share the open letter, which elaborates on this year’s theme and the importance of forensic healthcare.
  • Daily Themes: Engage with our daily themes on social media and share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise. Look out for our daily posts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn and videos.
    • Monday: The front door to justice: An introduction to forensic healthcare
    • Tuesday: The autonomy spectrum: Skills and knowledge in forensic healthcare
    • Wednesday: Sexual assault referral centres: A safe haven for survivors
    • Thursday: Mental health matters: Addressing psychological needs in custody
    • Friday: Substance misuse: The role of forensic healthcare in harm reduction
    • Saturday: The intersectionality of care: Serving diverse populations in forensic settings
    • Sunday: Looking ahead: The future of forensic healthcare in the UK
  • Photo Challenges: Participate in our photo challenges to showcase the diverse skills and populations served by forensic healthcare practitioners.

By getting involved, you’re not just raising awareness; you’re contributing to a larger movement that aims to advance the field of forensic healthcare in the UK.

NHS England publishes ‘Paediatric forensic healthcare practitioner capabilities framework for child sexual abuse assessment’

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NHS England has published its ‘Paediatric forensic healthcare practitioner capabilities framework for child sexual abuse assessment’. This capabilities framework identifies and describes the professional knowledge, skills and behaviours required by Forensic Healthcare Practitioners to deliver a high-quality, patient-centred service. In addition, the framework will inform the standards of education and training and continuing professional development which includes peer review and supervision of the workforce undertaking forensic and clinical assessments of children and young people from 0 and up to the age of 18 years.

Response to The Guardian’s misleading article

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The UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics wishes to address a recent article published by The Guardian on 6th August 2023, titled “Two-thirds of sexual assault support centres in England branded inadequate.”

In our official response to the newspaper, we have highlighted several areas of concern and misrepresentation in the article:

  1. The headline inaccurately suggests that two-thirds of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) have been branded inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It’s essential to clarify that the CQC does not use the same rating system for SARCs as for other health settings.
  2. While compliance checklists are important, they don’t encapsulate the full breadth of care, compassion, and dedication provided by the SARC teams to survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
  3. We are deeply concerned that misrepresentations in the article could potentially deter survivors from seeking essential support from SARCs.
  4. It’s crucial to emphasize that SARCs undergo rigorous inspections by the CQC and are working towards further accreditations in line with the Home Office Forensic Regulator.
  5. SARCs are managed and delivered by a diverse array of providers, with G4S Health Services and Mountain Healthcare being just two among many.

We have also requested transparency from The Guardian regarding the raw data used to generate the percentages cited in their article.

We encourage our members, colleagues, and the public to read our full response to ensure they have a balanced and accurate understanding of the dedicated work SARCs undertake across England.

For any further information or to access our full response see below

 

Celebrating International Paramedics Day: ‘What Paramedics Do’ in Forensic Healthcare Settings

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Today, on International Paramedics Day, we’re celebrating the invaluable work of our paramedics, specifically those serving in police custody settings, a field where they apply their extensive knowledge, experience, and skills in a unique and challenging environment. This year’s theme, ‘What Paramedics Do’, encourages us to broaden our understanding of the diverse roles paramedics undertake, and offers a perfect opportunity to shed light on their integral part within the forensic healthcare framework.

When we think of paramedics, it is often in the context of high-stress, emergency situations, with the ambulance as their stage. However, paramedics have extended their expertise beyond this traditional landscape, becoming essential figures within police custody settings across the country.

In these environments, paramedics provide high-quality, patient-centred care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, many of whom present with complex co-morbidities and vulnerabilities. They navigate an environment that can feel oppressive to those in custody, using their skills to reassure, heal, and support individuals at their most vulnerable.

But the role of our paramedics in custody isn’t limited to patient care alone. Their comprehensive knowledge and training allow them to assist the police and ultimately the courts, making invaluable contributions to the broader criminal justice system.

As we celebrate the remarkable work of our paramedics today, it’s important that we also extend our appreciation to the nurses and midwives who work tirelessly alongside them. Their roles in forensic healthcare settings, too, are pivotal. Whether providing essential medical care, offering comfort and support to those in need, or contributing to the wider understanding and progression of forensic healthcare, our nurses and midwives make an immeasurable difference every day.

So, on this International Paramedics Day, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the breadth of #WhatParamedicsDo and appreciate the profound impact our paramedics, nurses, and midwives have within forensic healthcare settings. Your dedication to service, your compassionate care, and your relentless pursuit of excellence make you the heart and soul of our association. We thank you for your remarkable service.

Happy International Paramedics Day!

#InternationalParamedicsDay #WhatParamedicsDo #UKAFNP

Response to BMA article ‘Undercut and undermined’

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We at the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP) wish to express our disappointment regarding the recent article published by the British Medical Association (BMA), titled ‘Undercut and undermined’. It is regrettable to see an article, associated with two previous presidents of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine, portraying police custody healthcare professionals as “cheaper and less-qualified”.

We firmly believe that such a portrayal is not reflective of the reality, dedication, and professional expertise that our members and other police custody healthcare professionals bring to their roles. Our full response to the article can be found below.

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Celebrating International Nurses Day and Honoring All Forensic Healthcare Professionals

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Today, on International Nurses Day, we take a moment to celebrate the tireless dedication, skill, and resilience of our nursing professionals within the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP) and wider forensic healthcare arena. This day holds a special place in our hearts, as it gives us an opportunity to recognise the integral role that nurses play in providing forensic healthcare services, not just in the UK but across the world.

Forensic nurses are at the forefront of compassionate patient care, often working with individuals who are experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether it’s providing physical care, emotional support, or serving as an advocate for the patient, our forensic nurses consistently display a dedication to duty that is nothing short of remarkable.

Today, as we honour the remarkable work of our nurses, let’s also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the paramedics and midwives who, alongside our nurses, form the backbone of our forensic healthcare services. Your tireless dedication and commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care do not go unnoticed.

On this International Nurses Day, we say a huge thank you to all our forensic healthcare professionals. Your work is invaluable, your contributions immeasurable, and your impact profound. Together, you are shaping a safer and more compassionate world, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

Happy International Nurses Day!

#InternationalNursesDay #UKAFNP #Nurses #Paramedics #Midwives #ForensicHealthcare

Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week

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The UK’s first ever Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week will be held between 7th-13th November 2022 to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of forensic healthcare practitioners. During the week the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics will share daily stories on it’s website and social media sites. Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week coincides with the International Association of Forensic Nurses ‘Forensic Nurses Week’. The UK has a wider multidisciplinary approach to forensic healthcare, hence we have chosen a title which reflects that diversity. Forensic healthcare practitioners work at the front door of the Criminal Justice System. Working at an intersection between health, justice and forensics with 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.

The theme for the UK’s first Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week is raising awareness of the role. We are asking any Forensic Healthcare Practitioner to share what they enjoy about their role within their network. We are also calling on all those that work with Forensic Healthcare Practitioners in either the Sexual Assault Referral Centres or Police custody either directly or indirectly to share their support.

Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week 2022

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Introduction

The UK’s first ever Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week will be held between 7th-13th November 2022 to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of forensic healthcare practitioners. During the week the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics will share daily stories on its website and social media sites (Twitter: @ukafn, Facebook /ukafn, Instagram, ukafn. Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week coincides with the International Association of Forensic Nurses ‘Forensic Nurses Week’. The UK has a wider multidisciplinary approach to forensic healthcare, hence we have chosen a title which reflects that diversity. Forensic healthcare practitioners work at the front door of the Criminal Justice System. Working 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.

Forensic healthcare practitioners work in either police custody or sexual assault referral centres, although some work across both settings. They are responsible for assessing and treating any injuries or minor illnesses, recognising conditions that require onward referral. Both groups are responsible for forensic examinations and sampling, providing written statements for the courts and giving oral testimony in court as required. 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, 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 in relation to 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).

Aims

Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week sets out to:

  • Celebrate Forensic Healthcare Practitioners around the UK for the vital role they play inkeeping people safe and assisting the Criminal Justice System in achieving justice.
  • Recognise the positive impact Forensic Healthcare Practitioners can have on potentiallya 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 the awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres for those who have experienced sexual assault orviolence.
  • Promote the profession to inspire others to consider it a career option.

Theme for 2022

The theme for the UK’s first Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week is raising awareness of the role. We are asking any Forensic Healthcare Practitioner to share what they enjoy about their role within their network. We are also calling on all those that work with Forensic Healthcare Practitioners in either the Sexual Assault Referral Centres or Police custody either directly or indirectly to share their support.

About the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics

The UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics represents forensic healthcare practitioners across the UK lead by our President, Jennie Smith.

Help after rape and sexual assault

If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help. Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC); England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Download a ‘Certificate of Recognition’

Why not download and print a ‘Certificate of Recognition to give to a colleague or colleagues during the week? Make sure to get a photo and share it on Twitter, Facebook to Instagram with the hashtag #FHPWeek.

Download certificate here

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Please feel free to download, share and use.

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