FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

MANAGED CARE NETWORK

N2F NEWSLETTER - 008

Dear all

N2F Publication

Dave, Lindsay and I submitted an article to the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Journal and is attached to the email.

Walker, H, Langton, D & Thomson, L (2011) ‘New to Forensic’, implementing a problem-based introductory educational programme for forensic practitioners in Scotland. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing.

Research Assistant – N2F Evaluation

Jenny Turner, Research Assistant has now finished her 3 month appointment and has completed the evaluation work originally undertaken by Dave Langton. A second article is currently in draft format and it is hoped that this will be submitted for publication early 2012.

N2F Accreditation

I am pleased to announce that the University of the West of Scotland has accredited the New to Forensic Programme. From the beginning of the year, participants will be required to undertake an assessment at the end of the programme and will be awarded 20 credit points at SCQF Level 7. Participants who successfully pass the assessment will receive a certificate and details regarding their assessment will be registered on our database.

N2F for use in Northern Ireland

SoFMH has recently been in negotiation with Shannon Clinic to develop a N2F Programme for use in Northern Ireland. I am pleased to announce that Shannon Clinic have accepted our proposal and work for this project will commence early 2012.

Regional Events

We are planning to hold regional events in 2012 and are looking for venues to hold these meetings. If you are able to provide a suitable venue, please could I ask that you contact Deborah Walker with details. Deborah will be in contact at the start of the year to discuss potential dates.

Introduction to Psychological Interventions

SoFMH are planning to develop an ‘Introduction to Psychological Interventions Programme’. The Programme will be pitched at the same level as N2F with 12 short chapters, a series of questions at the end using case scenarios and including a reflective diary. Staff will still be required to register with a mentor who will help guide them through the programme and it would remain a practice based programme that is largely self-directed. The programme would be set in the context of forensic services and acknowledge the associated risk related issues, but would systematically lay the foundations for forensic clinicians working in and across services.

A consultation event is planned for late January 2012 however we are keen to hear your ideas and would welcome suggestions on what you would like to be included. Please could I ask that you forward your comments to Deborah Walker at the email address provided below.

As you are probably aware money is tight this year and we cannot afford to post out all the booklets, we therefore ask that you either a) ask your organization to pay for postage b) pick them up from TSH yourselves or c) plan your training in advance, we regularly attend meetings within other Health Boards and can bring some along to you.

Cost of postage

One book - £5

2 books £ 7.70

Box of 7 books £ 25.00

Box of 12 books £ £35.00

As always, we are keen to hear your views about the Programme and are always looking for suggestions on how we can keep the Programme current. If you have any suggestions and/or recommendations, please could I ask that you send these to Deborah Walker,

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and our very best wishes for 2012!

Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Kind regards

Helen Walker

Practice Education Co-ordinator

01555 842212