Custody Nurse​/Paramedic

Position: Custody Nurse / Paramedic
Registered Nurse (RGN) / Paramedic you can be based at either of these sites but may occasionally have to cover other sites Blackburn Preston Blackpool Lancaster About the Role We are looking for confident and compassionate Registered Nurses or Paramedics to join our custody healthcare team. This is an autonomous clinical role providing healthcare to individuals detained within police custody.

You will assess and manage a wide range of physical and mental health presentations, using your clinical judgement to provide safe, appropriate and timely care. You will work closely with police officers, custody staff and other healthcare and partner agencies to ensure detainees receive appropriate treatment and support. This is a varied role where no two shifts are the same, offering clinicians the opportunity to develop their assessment, decision-making and forensic healthcare skills.

Key Responsibilities Undertake comprehensive physical and mental health assessments of detainees. Assess individuals for their fitness to remain in detention, participate in police interviews, transfer or release. Identify and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency healthcare needs. Provide treatment, clinical advice and appropriate onward referrals. Manage minor illness and injury within your professional scope of practice. Recognise safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action.

Support individuals experiencing mental health, substance misuse and other vulnerabilities. Liaise effectively with police officers, custody staff, ambulance services and external healthcare providers. Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical records. Work within relevant professional standards, legislation, policies and clinical guidelines. Exercise professional autonomy while recognising when escalation or specialist advice is required. Contribute to maintaining high standards of clinical governance and patient safety.

Essential Requirements Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (RGN) or HCPC registration as a Paramedic. Minimum 2 years' post-registration experience.

Experience of assessing and managing patients with a broad range of physical and/or mental health presentations. Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills. Ability to work independently in a challenging environment. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Current venepuncture competency, where required for the service. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle where the role requires travel between custody locations. Ability to successfully obtain and maintain the required police vetting and security clearance.

Desirable Experience Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
Police custody healthcare. Forensic healthcare. Prison healthcare. Emergency Department / A&E. Urgent or acute care. Community nursing. Practice nursing. Drug and alcohol services. Mental health assessment. Clinical leadership, supervision, or mentoring.

What We Offer Competitive salary of £41,000 Comprehensive induction and role-specific training. Ongoing professional development opportunities. Support with NMC/HCPC revalidation. Professional registration fee support. Company pension scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Generous annual leave entitlement. Paid mileage for eligible travel/cross-cover. Supportive clinical and management team. Recruitment & Clearance Due to the nature of working within police custody, successful applicants will be required to complete a comprehensive pre-employment process.

This may include:
Enhanced DBS check. Police vetting. Right to Work and identity verification. Professional registration checks. Occupational Health clearance. Employment references. Mandatory compliance checks and…