RNs trial a forensic nursing service
Evans, A.; McGilvray, L.
Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing a Quarterly Publication of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation 14(2): 11-15
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0813-0531 PMID: 9128469 Document Number: 462173
This paper describes a trial forensic nursing service that was implemented by two registered nurses in Melbourne police districts. The principal aim of the program was to reduce the workload of forensic medical officers by providing a 7 pm to 7 am referral and primary care nursing service for people held in police custody in the City Watch House and in 21 suburban watch houses. During the first three months of the six month trial, 747 detainees were referred to the nursing service for assessment and/or treatment and there was a 73% decrease in the night time call-outs of forensic medical officers. The service reduced overnight delays in responding to detainees' health needs and in referral of sick detainees to prison or civilian health services and it improved the exchange of information between health services outside and within the jail. As a result of the pilot, an ongoing nursing service for detainees in Melbourne watch houses has been established.