QMU IS TO offer a new forensic practice course for nurses which it is hoped , subject to the outcome of a Test of Change project , will help to build a multi-disciplinary workforce for the future by equipping them to carry out forensic medical examinations and provide evidence for court . The development supports the work of the Scottish Government ’ s Rape and Sexual Assault Taskforce led by the interim Chief Medical Officer for Scotland . The Scottish Government is funding 20 places on QMU ’ s Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Practice : Advanced Forensic Practice ( PgC PCP : AFP ). This will be the first course of its kind in Scotland and represents over four years of policy , strategy and partnership work to change forensic practice . This qualification will support any future development of advanced forensic practitioners in Scotland , who , as registered nurses , will be qualified to carry out forensic examinations and gather evidence to support criminal investigations and court cases . An important part of this new nursing role will be to skillfully blend the forensic work with person-centred care – treating everyone as an unique individual - and working to reduce trauma to the person by looking after their health and wellbeing , and respecting their rights , personhood and dignity . Jessica Davidson , Senior Clinical Forensic Charge Nurse with the South East Scotland Police Custody and Forensic Examination Service at NHS Lothian , will lead the new course at QMU . Jessica explained : “ Undertaking a forensic examination in sexual assault and rape cases requires the examiner to treat each person as an individual and take responsibility for that episode of care from start to finish . What is unique about this role is that the examination involves documenting and interpreting any injuries that the individual may have sustained at the time of the incident .” “ The examination team ’ s work also involves protecting the forensic integrity of the person , the treatment room and the case . They use hard science , clinical observation and the law to take responsibility for the case itself , as well as the individual . Anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted , or hurt by crime , experiences trauma . It is therefore important that the examiner works to minimise the potential for further trauma and begin the process of supporting recovery .” Professor Brendan McCormack , Divisions of Nursing , Occupational Therapy & Arts Therapies at QMU , said : “ The Scottish Government has been pivotal in enabling this course to come to fruition and we are extremely proud to be involved in this developing area of person centred nursing . The course also aims to develop nurses with leadership skills so they can direct and advance this important area of work in Scotland . This will help to ensure better support and health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual assault . “ Our Advanced Forensic Practice course will be delivered in partnership with NHS Lothian , the Scottish judiciary , Police Scotland and The UK Association of Forensic Nurses ( UKAFN ). This means we will have the best experts in Scotland to guide our students through this exciting learning experience .” Professor Alex McMahon , NHS Lothian ’ s Director of Nursing , Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals and Executive Lead , REAS and Prison Healthcare , said : “ The important role of skilled nursing practice in forensic examination is one that NHS Lothian is proud to have helped to pioneer , and we are therefore delighted to be involved in the partnership delivering Scotland ’ s first postgraduate qualification in its advanced practice .” Professor Fiona Coutts , Dean of Health Sciences at QMU , concluded : “ This is a significant step forward in advancing this important specialist area of nursing . The School of Nursing at QMU has world renowned expertise in person-centred care – indeed , it is part of the DNA of our health sciences work . I am pleased that our nursing leadership is influencing the focus on this emerging area of nursing and that the new course aligns with the University ’ s mission to shape a better world through education , research and innovation .” ❒