Clinical Forensic Medical Services Registrar 1-4 (Canberra)

Description

Position title: Forensic Medical Officer

Position number: P20646

Directorate: Canberra Health Services

Division: Medicine

Business unit: Clinical Forensic Medical Services

Classification: Registrar

Location: Canberra Hospital

Reporting relationships: Direct Manager: Unit Director, Clinical Forensic Medical Services; Manager +1: Clinical Director, Medicine

Last reviewed: Canberra Health Services

About Canberra Health Services

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focused on the delivery of high quality, effective, person‑centered care. We provide acute, sub‑acute, primary, and community‑based health services to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. We are committed to workforce diversity and creating an inclusive workplace.

Position overview

The CHS Division of Medicine provides a range of medical specialties and allied health services. It emphasizes accessible and timely care of high safety and quality standards. The Division works in partnership with professional colleagues, consumers, and a range of government and non‑government service providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS) is a locally based, well established clinical service that provides forensic medical care to patients from the ACT and surrounding areas. The CFMS comprises Clinical Forensics ACT (CFACT), a contracted medical service to the AFP, Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC), the ACT Health based sexual assault service, and ‘Fitness To Drive Medical Clinic’ (FTDMC). CFMS is a medical unit within Canberra Health Services, with requirements and support for ongoing professional development of all staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide clinical forensic medicine and related services, including daytime coverage and a minimum of 3 after‑hours shifts per month. Responsibilities include:

• Assessment of individuals as requested by the AFP (including death scene attendance, provision of medical care to detainees in the Regional Watch House and those allegedly involved in sexual and general assaults).
• Obtaining biological samples with patient consent.
• Assessment of an individual’s fitness to be interviewed and fitness for custody.
• Provision of medico‑legal reports for CFMS cases, including expert evidence and opinions for the purposes of legal process and to the courts.
• Adherence to relevant legislation and literature for the duties of forensic medical officers.
• Participation in educational activities in the field of clinical forensic medicine.
• Provide expert evidence in legal jurisdictions, including criminal and civil proceedings.
• Other medical services as requested.

Provide comprehensive forensic and medical care for patients who have experienced a recent sexual assault, including medico‑legal examinations, comprehensive documentation, and associated medico‑legal reports.

Willingness to participate in CFMS after‑hours on‑call rosters, with a minimum of 3 shifts per month, including weekends and public holiday shifts unless approved leave has been taken.

Provision of general forensic medical services under the CFMS service agreement to the Australian Federal Police, including working with and supervising nursing staff employed by CFMS.

Ability to assess capacity to drive against the Medical Standards for Driver Licensing and Clinical Management Guidelines.

Participate in ongoing educational activities in the field of forensic medicine.

Participation in data entry, audit activities, quality improvement activities related to patient care in clinical forensic medicine, sexual assault and sexual health.

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to provide leadership and education to colleagues in a clinical setting.
• Drive for ongoing personal and career development.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient safety and quality of care.