Transforming Forensic Care

Jessica Davidson MBE, Class of 1986

“Being recognised for forensic nursing and victim support can inspire all of us to be the people our patients want to see and to begin the journey of recovery alongside them.”

For Jessica Davidson MBE, nursing has always been about more than clinical expertise. Throughout a distinguished career in forensic healthcare, she has combined compassion, leadership and innovation to transform the care of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

Awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List in 2024 for services to forensic nursing and victim support, Jessica has helped shape national policy and clinical practice across Scotland and improve healthcare for victims of sexual assault and people in police care, while inspiring a new generation of trauma-informed nurses.

Today, every rape case in Scotland benefits from the attendance of a specialist nurse examiner, ensuring survivors receive expert, trauma-informed care from the outset, a landmark achievement that reflects years of collaboration, determination and advocacy. Her story demonstrates that meaningful leadership often happens quietly, through improving systems, supporting colleagues and creating lasting change that benefits countless people.

Smiling woman wearing ceremonial regalia with medals and a blue ribbon, facing camera.

Caring for those who need it most

Jessica’s career has been driven by a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves compassionate, expert care, particularly during the most difficult moments of their lives.

As Senior Charge Nurse and Clinical Lead for South East Healthcare and Forensic Medical Services for People in Police Care, alongside her role as Nurse Lead for the SARCS Network for Scotland, she has spent decades improving the way forensic healthcare is delivered across the country.

Her work has focused on ensuring that patients who have experienced trauma are treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect, while receiving the highest standards of clinical care.

“Our patients deserve care that supports not only their physical needs but the beginning of their recovery.”

From LEH classroom to dream career

Jessica’s influence extends far beyond her own clinical practice. Working in partnership with Police Scotland and healthcare organisations, she helped develop an innovative nurse-led forensic service that has transformed care for victims of sexual assault and people in police custody. The impact has been significant, helping establish consistent, trauma-informed care across Scotland and ensuring expert nursing support is available whenever it is needed. Alongside this, Jessica has played a leading role in education, helping establish Queen Margaret University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing. Through this programme, she continues to mentor and train specialist nurses who will shape the future of forensic healthcare.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that improving healthcare isn’t only about individual excellence, it’s about creating systems that enable others to deliver exceptional care too.

Those LEH values of compassion, responsibility and commitment to others have underpinned every stage of her professional journey.

Recognition as a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, a Queen’s Nurse and, most recently, an MBE reflects not only her personal achievements but the collective impact of the teams she has helped build and inspire., “This is a reflection of the collective hard work and vision of so many people across the networks I am privileged to work within.”

Fearless Futures

What would Jessica’s advice be to current LEH students?

Lead with compassion and never underestimate the difference one person can make.

Whether you’re working in healthcare or another profession, the greatest impact often comes from listening, collaborating and having the courage to improve things for those who need it most. Success isn’t measured only by individual achievement, but by the lives you help change along the way.