Human Resources Directorate
NHS Tayside
Ninewells Hospital
Level 9
DUNDEE DD1 9SY
Telephone Number : (01382) 660111
Fax Number: (01382)
www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk
Date
Your Ref
Our Ref
Enquiries to
Extension
Direct Line
Email
32590
01382 632590
karenkettles@nhs.net
Dear Doctor
POST OF FORENSIC PHYSICIAN
Further to your enquiry regarding the above post, I am now pleased to attach an information and application
pack.
Your application should be submitted to this department, by emailing the documents below to
medicalrecruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting KK.02.16 in the subject box.

A copy of your current CV including the names, addresses and email addresses of 3 referees,
including your current or most recent employer

Your completed Immigration Status form

Your completed Declaration Statement in respect of Fitness to Practice and Criminal Convictions

Your completed Equal Opportunities Form. This information is for statistical purposes only and will
be kept in strict confidence.
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, it is NHS Tayside’s policy to ensure that all applicants are given the same
consideration in relation to job selection, promotion and treatment.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 2nd February 2016. Owing to the number of
applications received and to make the best use of resources, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of
applications or to advise all candidates of the outcome of their application. If you have not heard from us within
6 weeks of the closing date you may assume that, on this occasion, your application has been unsuccessful.
Yours faithfully
Karen Kettles
Employment Services Team Leader
Headquarters
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
Chairman, Professor John Connell FMedci FRSE
Chief Executive, Ms Lesley McLay
IMPORTANT NOTICE
IMMIGRATION STATUS
Please be aware that shortlisted applicants will be required to bring their original passport and visa documents
with them, for inspection, when attending for interview.
1
Are you a national from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Czech
Republic, Estonia, Hungary,Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria or Romania?
YES
NO
If you have circled ‘NO’ to the above sections please tick the box which relates to your current
immigration status, and provide expiry dates:
Tick
Status
Expiry Date
I hold a Tier 1 (General) Visa as a highly skilled worker
I require a Certificate of Sponsorship
I hold refugee status
I have indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom
I have right of abode
Any other immigration status – please specify:
Print Name: ………………………………….........................
Signature:…………………………………………………….
Date: ………………………………………………………….
Continued
APPOINTMENT AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Declaration Statements and Statements of Policy
Statement of Policy regarding fitness to practise proceedings by a licensing/regulatory body and
relating to criminal investigations in the UK or overseas.
Registration with the General Medical Council or General Dental Council imposes on doctors and
dentists the duty to provide a good standard of medical care for, and to behave appropriately,
towards patients. NHS Employers also have a duty to ensure that patients receive a good standard
of medical care and ensure as far as possible the safety of patients. We therefore need to establish if
you have been found guilty of a criminal offence, been bound over or cautioned or are currently the
subject of proceedings which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a caution, in the
UK or any other country.
Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Application
forms will include a declaration for applicants to complete declaring any previous or pending
prosecutions or convictions, including those considered ‘spent’ under this Act. Forms will also include
a declaration of any cautions or bind overs.
We also need to establish if you have been the subject of any fitness to practise proceedings in the
past, or any fitness to practise proceedings are being contemplated, by a licensing or regulatory body
in the UK or another country and this is also reflected in the declaration.
This information will be treated in confidence and will not debar you from appointment unless the
selection panel considers that it renders you unsuitable for appointment. In reaching such a decision
we will consider the nature of the conviction/action, how long ago it took place and any others factors
that may be relevant.
Failure to disclose a criminal offence, having been bound over or cautioned or that you are currently
the subject of criminal proceedings which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a
caution, or fitness to practise proceedings undertaken or being undertaken by an appropriate
licensing or regulatory body, may disqualify you from appointment, or result in summary
dismissal/disciplinary action and referral to the General Medical Council [General Dental Council] for
consideration if such a discrepancy came to light.
If you would like to discuss what effect any previous convictions, police investigations or fitness to
practise proceedings taken or being taken either in the UK or by an overseas licensing or regulatory
body might have on your application, you may telephone the Employment Services Adviser, Medical
Staffing, on 01382 660111, in confidence, for advice.
Continued
Model Declaration Statement regarding
(a) any criminal offence, being bound over or cautioned, or current proceedings which might
lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a caution and
(b) fitness to practice proceedings taken or being currently contemplated by a
licensing/regulatory body
1. Have you been convicted of a criminal offence, been bound over or cautioned or are currently the
subject of any police investigations, which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a
caution in the UK or any other country?
YES/NO
Note: Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You are required to declare prosecutions or convictions, including those considered ‘spent’ under this
Act.
If yes, please provide details of the criminal offence, order binding you over or caution or details of
any current proceedings which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a caution,
including approximate date, the offence, and the authority and country which dealt with the offence.
2. To the best of your knowledge have you been or are you currently subject to any fitness to practise
proceedings by an appropriate licensing or regulatory body in the UK or any other country?
YES/NO
If yes, please provide details of the nature of proceedings undertaken, or contemplated, including
approximate date of proceedings, country where proceedings were undertaken and the name and
address of the licensing or regulatory body concerned.
I hereby declare that the information given here is true.
Signature:______________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
Continued
NHS TAYSIDE
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MONITORING FORM
Job reference number:
Equal opportunities monitoring
We want to ensure that our job opportunities are open to all. The only way we can ensure
there is equal opportunity is to monitor applications we receive, and compare the profile of
people who apply with those appointed. Therefore this form asks you for your ethnic
origin, gender, disability, religion, sexuality and age. The information you provide is
confidential and is not used in the selection process. It will be separated from the
rest of your application when we receive it.
1) If you are currently an employee of this NHS Board, will getting this job be a
promotion?
Yes


No
2) You are:
Female 
Male 
3) Have you undergone, are you undergoing or do you intend to undergo gender reassignment? For
example, this includes having changed your sex (gender).?

Yes
No

Prefer not to say

4) What is your age?
I am ___ years old, and my date of birth is: _ _ / _ _ / _________
5) Do you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that:


has a substantial effect on your ability to carry out day to day activities?
has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or more?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

If you answered ‘yes’ please tick if it is either of the following:
Learning Disability
Long standing illness
Mental health condition



Physical impairment
Sensory impairment


Other (please describe):

Again, if yes, please describe any particular arrangements you would need for your
work location:
(Continued on next page)
Continued
-26) What is your ethnic group?
Choose one section from A to F, then tick the appropriate box to indicate your cultural
background
A: White
 Scottish  Irish
 Gypsy Traveller
B: Mixed
 Any mixed background
 Other British
 Polish
 Any other White background
C: Asian; Asian Scottish; Asian British
 Pakistani
 Indian
 Chinese
 Bangladeshi  Any other Asian background
D: Black; Black Scottish; Black British
 Caribbean
 African
 Any other Black background
E: Other ethnic background
 Any other background
F: Prefer not to answer 
7) To which religion, religious denomination or body do you actively belong?
 (Christianity)- Church of Scotland
 (Christianity) - Roman Catholic
 Hinduism
 Sikhism




 Judaism
 Islam
 No religion (none)
Christianity (Other)
Other faith / belief
Buddhism
Prefer not to answer
8) Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?
 Bisexual
 Heterosexual
 Other
 Gay Man
 Lesbian/Gay Woman
 Prefer not to answer
9) Where did you see the Advertisement for this Post?
Newspaper (which one?)
Professional Journal (which one?)
Vacancy Bulletin
SHOW (NHS Scotland Website)
Job Centre Plus
Medical Jobs Website (medicaljobs.scot.nhs.uk)
Doctors.net
Other (please specify)
Continued
JOB DESCRIPTION
FORENSIC PHYSICIAN
1. JOB PURPOSE
To provide a high quality healthcare service within the custody areas of Tayside.
To provide a high quality forensic medical service within Tayside.
Continued
2. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Prisoner Examination
 Obtain information on medical history
 Assess physical health if required
 Assess the mental health needs of the detainee in accordance with the agreed protocol for the 24
hour referrals for psychiatric assessment of prisoners and provide advice as to the use of
appropriate adults
 Asses risk of suicide / self-harm / harm to others
 Diagnose clinical conditions
 Examine and treat injuries and conditions, including post incident exposure to CS Spray,
TASER, etc.
 Carry out drug / alcohol assessment
 Infection control – identifying / advice / guidance (Hep C, HIV, decontamination, etc.)
Prisoner Treatment
 Provide First Aid / basic life support
 Prescribe medication
 Provide guidance on administering medication
 Provide short-term interventions for people under the influence of drugs / alcohol
 Provide clinical / therapeutic interventions
 Refer to healthcare services and / or specialists
 Provide brief health education interventions
Prisoner Reports
 Advise on appropriate action following assessment or diagnosis
 Advise on the well-being of individuals (non-clinical) i.e. food, drink, rest
 Advise regarding health and safety issues for all in the environment, e.g., manage aggressive
behaviour, infections, etc.
 Advise and where necessary provide a report and give evidence in court in relation to:
o Fitness to be detained in police custody
o Fitness to be interviewed
o Fitness for release from custody – transitional care of vulnerable people
o Fitness for transfer
o Fitness for remand in custody pending trial
o Fitness for attendance at trial
o Ability of accused persons to understand the nature of court proceedings and provide instructions
Other Custody Issues
 Examine and give advice to officers who have been exposed to CS Spray
 Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies
 Comply, as far as practicable, with any lawful instruction given by police officers engaged in
the investigation of crime, the protection of life and property and / or the obtaining and
preservation of evidence
FORENSIC REQUIREMENTS
Sudden Death
 Attend scene where required
Assault
 Examine adult victims
 Examine adult suspects
 Document injuries
 Obtain samples
Continued
Sexual Assault
 Examine adult victims
 Examine adult suspects
 Document injuries
 Obtain samples
 Blood / pregnancy tests
RTA

Procedures under Road Traffic Legislation (Section 4/5 Road Traffic Act 1988) – obtaining
blood/urine samples/impairment testing etc
Paediatric
 Examine alleged child victims of neglect, physical or sexual abuse
 Obtain and process samples from alleged child victims of abuse
Other forensic requirements
 Undertake intimate body searches
 Contribute to the management of major emergency situations
 Provide advice / guidance to police investigators when appropriate
Requirement for all of the above
 Prepare signed statements within agreed timescales
 Declare personal medical notes
 Attend any court of law or tribunal when required, to give such evidence in connection with any
matter arising from the provision of the services of a forensic medical advisor as a professional
witness
 Comply, as far as practicable, with any lawful instruction given by police officers engaged in
the investigation of crime, the protection of life and property and / or the obtaining and
preservation of evidence
Other duties will include:

To examine and if necessary render medical care to any member of the police injured in the
execution of his / her duty in terms of forensic medical practice but specifically excluding
routine aspects of occupational health medicine and surveillance.
3. COMMUNICATIONS AND ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
You are required to maintain good working relationships with all staff both within NHS Tayside and Police
Scotland.
Ensure that all medical records and the communication of all interventions of care are documented timeously
and accurately. Maintains contemporaneous records.
Internal
Custody nurses
Mental Health Workers
Forensic Medical Department,
Dundee University
NHS Tayside Paediatric Department
Tayside Substance Misuse Services
External
Detainees
Police Service
Procurator Fiscals Department
Specialities and sub specialties
within NHS Tayside
Tayside Arrest Referral
Emergency Services – SAS
Continued
Administrative staff
The forensic physician will be responsible to the Associate Medical Director Primary and Community Care
Directorate, NHS Tayside and the Professor of the Centre for Forensic Medical and Legal Department,
University of Dundee for clinical guidance and professional management.
The Service Manager will manage the Forensic Physicians on a day to day basis, organising rotas,
training etc.
4. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A qualified medical practitioner with a background in General Practice or accident and emergency would be
advantageous. Previous experience in custody forensic medicine is desirable but not essential,
Training will be mandatory and provided by NHS Tayside

Knowledge of the legal framework governing police powers and procedures.

Consent, confidentiality and ethics with particular reference to the custodial setting.

Understand the particular requirements relating to the care and custody of individuals regarding fitness
to be detained and fitness to be interviewed.

The importance of contemporaneous, comprehensive, clinical note taking, statement and report writing,
giving evidence in a confident and precise manner, court procedures including the laws of evidence and
the role of the professional and expert witness.

The requirements for obtaining, handling and packaging forensic samples.

A basic understanding of forensic science, documentation and interpretation of injuries.

A knowledge of police organisation and structure.

Their role in dealing with suspicious and sudden deaths.

Knowledge of the legal requirements in respect of driving offences.

The performance of intimate searches.

Mental health assessments.

Assessment of substance misuse detainees.

The law relating to sexual offences and their role in the the examination of complainants and suspects in
assault cases.

Their role in child protection matters
5. HOURS OF SERVICE
Wk
1
2
3
Mon
G: On-Call 2
18:00 08:00
Stnd Day
08:00 18:00
E: Post Call
08:00 09:00
Tue
E: Post Call
08:00 09:00
Stnd Day
08:00 18:00
G: On-Call 2
18:00 08:00
Wed
G: On-Call 2
18:00 08:00
Stnd Day
08:00 18:00
E: Post Call
08:00 09:00
Thu
E: Post Call
08:00 09:00
Stnd Day
08:00 18:00
G: On-Call 2
18:00 08:00
Continued
Fri
G: On-Call 2
18:00 08:00
Stnd Day
08:00 18:00
E: Post Call
08:00 09:00
Sat
Sun
C: On-Call
08:00 08:00
C: On-Call
08:00 08:00
The NHS Tayside Forensic Medical Service commenced in January 2009. It was the Scottish Government pilot to provide
Forensic Medical and Healthcare Services to the then legacy force Tayside Police. With the formation of Police Scotland
in 2013 NHS Tayside has decided to expand its salaried Forensic Physician posts. This opportunity has arisen as the
reformation of the police services in Scotland coincides with a time when the role of the forensic physician is evolving.
We are seeking enthusiastic committed General Practitioners with an MRCGP qualification, however applications from
non General Practitioners with relevant experience will also be welcomed. An interest in Forensic Medicine is essential.
Facilities include a Forensic Examination Suite and recently refurbished medical rooms in Dundee, Arbroath and Perth.
Within the last 3 years a new paediatric examination suite has opened at Kings Cross Hospital Dundee.
The role of the forensic physician is varied and interesting with on the job training given by NHS Tayside. The work is
divided between custody healthcare and the performing of forensic medical examinations. We have an experienced
autonomous team of Forensic Custody Nurses who act as 'gatekeepers' to the service. They manage patients in custody and
coordinate and corroborate forensic examinations. Your role is to perform examinations and assessments of adults and
children under the instruction of Police Scotland. This offers a diverse range of clinical presentations in an exciting and
fluid environment. You are permitted a privileged insight into the inner workings of the police and criminal justice system
with occasional opportunities to present your findings in court.
Your own transport & driving license is essential
Post graduate examinations are currently available via the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (a sub faculty of the
Royal College of Physicians) and offer career development opportunities.
Pay scale is Salaried GP scale £54862-£82789 Non General Practitioner £37547-£70018+ 8% availability supplement
Please contact Sally Patrick, Head of Service with any questions. Tel 0792 072 6222 or email sally.patrick@nhs.net