Tom has been physically aggressive towards a member of nursing staff in his medium secure unit.
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1. What factors might influence the nursing team's decision about whether to report this matter to the police?
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Correct answer:
- Before reporting this client to the police, the team would need to consider a number of factors which may influence the team's decision as to whether it should be reported to the police.
- These would primarily be the severity of the assault and the intent of the assault.
- It is agreed that there should be zero tolerance of violence against staff working in the National Health Service (NHS) regardless of where they are working.
- The team might want to consider whether the aggressive behaviour was intended by Tom or was it as a result of his learning disability (challenging behaviour), and so a means of communicating his dislike or unhappiness of a situation?
- Has Tom got mental health capacity?
- Is there a history of this type of behavior from Tom towards staff?
- Is Tom targeting a certain member of staff or all staff?
- What will be the potential impact on Tom of reporting him to the police?
- If he is already being treated in medium secure unit, the police may not feel it is in the public's interest to pursue a conviction nor may they deem him fit for questioning or charging.
- However, reporting all incidents of aggression will highlight the need for specialised treatment for Tom.
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2. Reasons for reporting to the police.
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Correct answer:
- It will help to uphold the NHS zero tolerance campaign.
- It will make the perpetrator take responsibility for their actions.
- It values the staff member, and sends the message to staff that this is not part of their job to be assaulted, and violence is not acceptable.
- It should ensure better risk assessment in order to safeguard against further physical attacks on other patients and staff.
- It promotes a standard approach to reporting incidents.
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3. Reasons for not reporting to the police.
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Correct answer: Carers and people with learning disabilities from ethnic minority backgrounds may have the following:
- Police rarely attend or follow up because the patient is already in a secure setting.
- Assaults rarely lead to prosecution.
- Reporting to the police can undermines the therapeutic relationship between the staff and patient.
