About this role
Job summary As a Forensic Custody Healthcare Professional, you will work autonomously within police custody suites, assessing and caring for detainees with a wide range of physical health, mental health, substance misuse and vulnerability-related needs.
This is a specialist clinical role where no two shifts are the same.
Main duties of the job Conduct clinical assessments to determine fitness for detention, interview, charge and release, including capacity assessments. Manage medical emergencies, treat injuries and provide healthcare advice in a fast-paced custody environment. Support detainees with mental health needs, substance misuse, alcohol dependency and complex vulnerabilities. Collect, preserve and document forensic samples in line with evidential and legal standards. Produce accurate clinical and evidential records, including injury documentation. Liaise with police, custody teams, NHS services and other agencies to support safe onward care. Attend hospital blood procedures under the Road Traffic Act. Prepare professional statements and attend court as an impartial healthcare witness when required.
About us Mountain Healthcare is one of the UK's leading providers of forensic custody healthcare. Working in partnership with the police, and wider criminal justice agencies, we deliver high quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We are proud to be guided by our core values of Being Kind and Doing the Right Thing.
We are now recruiting Forensic Custody Healthcare Professionals (RGNs and Paramedics) to deliver specialist healthcare within police custody. This is a rare opportunity to step into a respected forensic role where no two shifts are the same, no custody experience is required as full accredited training is provided. Your clinical decisions will directly support detainee welfare, safeguarding, and the wider criminal justice process.
Job description Job responsibilities
As a Forensic Custody Healthcare Professional, you will deliver high-quality healthcare to people detained in police custody, many of whom have complex physical health, mental health, substance misuse or safeguarding needs. Working autonomously in a fast-paced environment, you will assess, treat and support detainees while ensuring their safety and well-being.
This unique role combines clinical practice, safeguarding and forensic healthcare. No two shifts are the same. You will assess fitness for detention, interview, charge and release, manage acute presentations, respond to emergencies and provide advice to custody teams and partner agencies. Your clinical judgement will support safe decision-making and positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
You will also undertake specialist forensic duties, including injury assessment, evidential sample collection, and maintaining accurate clinical and legal records. Working with police, NHS and partner agencies, you will support detainee care in custody and on release.
Key responsibilities include:
Clinical and capacity assessments. Managing acute healthcare needs and emergencies. Supporting mental health, substance misuse and safeguarding needs. Collecting and documenting forensic evidence. Maintaining accurate clinical and evidential records. Working collaboratively with police, NHS and partner agencies. Attending hospital blood procedures under the Road Traffic Act. Providing professional statements and court attendance when required.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
At least three years post-qualification experience in an acute or relevant setting, such as front-line ambulance, A&E, prison, custody or urgent care. Strong assessment, communication and decision-making skills, with confidence working autonomously.
Desirable
Willingness to complete externally accredited forensic training within the first year of employment.
Qualifications Essential
Registered General Nurse with current NMC registration, or Paramedic with current HCPC registration. Full UK driving licence with fewer than six penalty points. Ability to complete enhanced DBS clearance and police vetting. Full right to work in the UK and a minimum of three years UK residency prior to application.
Desirable
N/A
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Mountain Healthcare Ltd
Address Busher Walk, Kendal, LA9 4RH, UK
Milnthorpe
LA9 4RH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mountainhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)