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Mental health nurses : De facto police
Fisher, Jackie
Fisher, Jackie
Author
Abstract
This paper examines the consequences for nursing staff and patients when police bring to hospital a person they assess to have a mental illness who exhibits violent or criminal behaviour. In particular, the impact on the nurse–patient relationship and the occupational health and safety of patients and staff is explored. Tensions between the conflicting roles for nurses of controlling the behaviour of this small minority of patients, while providing care and therapy, are examined within the context of health policy, bed shortages, and staffing problems. Recent Australian government and non-government reports are examined to assess the capacity of current health services in the State of New South Wales, to adequately and safely control behaviour while also provide therapeutic care for patients who are seeking help for their mental illness and emotional distress.
Keywords
health policy, mental illness, nurses, occupational health and safety, police
Date
2007
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Book
Volume
16
Issue
4
Page Range
230-235
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.