Nurses play a key role in police custody suites, complementing the traditional role ...(icated custody nursing service was launc...),Health

These were then compared with the 4,140 calls received in the second six-month period - after the service had been launched. The nurses responded to 35 per cent of these calls, with the FMEs handling the remainder.

The researchers found that:

• Average response times were all within the contracted timescales agreed with the health professionals. Before the new service was introduced, FMEs responded to calls for medical assistance in an average of 51.3 minutes. After the new service was launched, FMEs responded in 42.7 minutes, with the nurses recording an average response time of 29.5 minutes.

• The time that professionals spent with patients was roughly the same. FMEs spent 32 minutes before the service launch and 30 minutes after the launch, while nurses spent 34 minutes.

• 91 per cent of the cases handled by the nurses were to determine if the person was fit to be detained or interviewed. Other issues included medication requests, illegal drug use assessments, Mental Health Act assessments, injuries, suicide risks and alcohol related issues.

• Nurses referred just over a third of calls to the FME. 56 per cent were because the person in custody needed medication they were not authorised to prescribe, 17 per cent were Mental Health Act assessments and five per cent were to determine if the person was fit to be interviewed.

Police officers working in the custody suites liked the fact that nurses turned up promptly, used less medical jargon and appeared more insightful, sensitive and relaxed. They also found them extremely approachable.

The FMEs had mixed views about custody nurses. They agreed they were more approachable and helpful in determining detainees clinical needs, but they felt they were slower when it came to examinations and had less experience
'/>"/>