Kate MacLeod has spent the last 8 years working as a forensic nurse practitioner out of Govan Police Station and other sites across Glasgow and Clyde.
Keen to expand her knowledge and up for a new challenge, she jumped at the chance to boost her specialist nursing career with the PgCert in Advanced Forensic Practice run by Â鶹ӰԺ. The course is headed up by one of Scotland’s leading forensic practice nurses and supported by the University’s Division of Nursing.
Kate gives us an insight into her unique profession which bridges both the criminal justice system and the NHS, as well as her experience of studying on the course.
Tell us about your role as a nurse, at an advanced level, working in police custody?
No day is the same. I can be dealing with a medical emergency one minute, taking bloods for road traffic offences, dealing with medications, treating withdrawals, assessing injuries. The list goes on…
What is unique about your role and how does it link into the wider justice system?
It is a relatively new service which bridges policing and nursing. The role is evolving as nurses are expected to take on more responsibility for the care of patients and how each case is managed and processed. It is anticipated the next step will be for advanced nursing practitioners to be equipped to give more evidence in court, particularly in sexual assault and rape cases.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
"We can really make a difference to those who fall through the cracks of primary care, addiction and mental health teams. We have a huge amount of resources on hand to help our patient receive the right care that they need, as well as to signpost them to other services that may help them in the future."
What’s most challenging about your role?
Sometimes other services under value the work we do. Police staff and even other healthcare providers occasionally do not fully understand the scope of our responsibilities. Most of us are trained to assess, diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, yet there can be an assumption that we are less qualified or capable than physicians, despite our advanced education and training.
We are based in Police stations, not health centres, so our treatment rooms are often cramped, lacking in comfort for patients and staff. Limitations in accessing essential medical equipment, diagnostic tools and some medications can be frustrating. This can complicate the ability to provide optimal care due to only having basic equipment.
Often our patients in custody have mental health problems or are in the midst of a crisis. Trauma, including childhood abuse, violence, or substance abuse, contribute to heightened emotional states, often manifesting as aggression, anxiety, or confusion. Patients can be resistant to care due to mistrust or fear of authority figures and previous experiences with custody or NHS staff; so the emotional toll of their circumstances can complicate care provision.
It is challenging balancing care provision in an environment that can be tense, with unpredictable behaviour from detainees who may be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or experiencing intense emotional reactions. Limited time and resources can make it difficult to adequately address these complex conditions.
What might a typical day involve when working in police custody?
I start by deciding who is best suited to go to which station depending on the needs of the patients there. When I use the word patients, that relates to individuals who have been brought into custody by the police.
Full assessments include physical and mental health review for patients identifying any concerns and plan on treatment. This may be medication, review of injuries or wounds, score and treat addiction, liaising with other agencies such as CAT teams, social work.
Why did you decide to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice?
"I enjoy the challenge. I feel our role is new and exciting, and this course allowed us to gain further tools to enhance our service. The programme has helped to develop nurses’ skills so that we are equipped to record essential evidence and provide that evidence in court when cases come to trial."
Why did you choose to study the course at Â鶹ӰԺ?
To attend the advanced forensic practice course which is the only course offered in the UK to gain the advanced forensic practitioner qualification.
What are the main areas from the course that have supported your practice?
Correct documentation, assessment of injuries, navigation of legal system including court training.
Which aspects of the course have you found most interesting?
Forensic science lectures and legal lectures. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on training in processing crime scenes, gathering evidence, and understanding the nuances of preserving a crime scene. The court room scenario was invaluable and shall hopefully prepare me for any future court proceedings.
I enjoyed the strong emphasis on teamwork and learning how forensic scientists collaborate with police, lawyers, and other experts, understanding how different disciplines come together to solve complex cases. I have a new understanding on how these other professionals contribute to the bigger picture.
Tell us about your experience of taking part in the simulated court case at the Scottish Police College?
Nerve-wracking, however it was in a safe space. I felt we all supported each other and drew strength from this.
How have you applied your university course experience into your daily practice?
Absolutely! I found documentation of injuries particularly helpful, understanding how to correctly write down accurate description of wounds and injuries. I am more insightful that these injuries may be a result of domestic abuse, and though at the moment, we are not working as an advanced practitioner in my role, this should hopefully be the case in the future. I feel I am more at an advantage after doing this course.
How have you juggled the course with your full-time job?
I weirdly can study on nightshift! This has really helped. It allowed me to chip away at the workload. I used the assets we were provided with on the course to reflect on cases, documentaries - it all adds up.
How do you feel the course has changed how you see your role and your practice?
"There will be advanced nurse practitioners’ roles coming up in the future in our health board. I think having done this course may put me at an advantage for the role. I believe I practice patient-centred care in a unique setting."
What impact do you think police custody nursing has in healthcare and social justice?
I think the police value the service we deliver and often comment on how they relax more knowing we are in the building as we provide that specialist service when required. Overall, we have a good working relationship with them. We can refer patients directly to social work in court. We ensure our patients have been treated with respect and have the necessary treatment prior to attending court, ensuring they are best supported to go through the process.
How will your role make an impact on others?
As an experienced nurse, I have a lot of knowledge I can pass on to the next generation of nurses and pass the baton on to them to develop forensic nursing even further.
