Training Plan for SAPS Officials by NHLS

Ms. Nimee Dhuloo

• National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)is a public health laboratory service with a network of laboratories across South Africa.

• Its activities comprise diagnostic laboratory services, research, teaching and training, reagents and diagnostic media and production of sera for anti-snake venom through the NHLS holding company South African Vaccine Producers.

• At the core of NHLS is next generation pathology excellence that supports the mandate of the Department of Health.

NHLS was established in 2001 by an Act of Parliament to provide diagnostic pathology laboratory services to the national and provincial health departments.

• NHLS is the largest diagnostic pathology laboratory service in South Africa

• NHLS employs over 7000 staff• There are 349 laboratories across nine provinces in

South Africa• NHLS serves 80% of the South African population• NHLS trains pathologists and medical technologists in

conjunction with the university medical schools and universities of technology.

NHLS

Facilitate, Educate, Empower

NHLS TRAINING DEPARTMENT

Background

• Amendments to legislation in South Africa around the Criminal Law(Forensics Procedures) Amendment bill 2012 has provided for the collection of buccal smears from police officials who are not crime scene examiners but have undergone training and deemed competent according to the National Health Act of 2003 as prescribed by the Minister of Health.

Importance of this training

• Is to establish and regulate the administration and maintenance of the National Forensic DNA database of South Africa

• Competent trained authorised officials on the collection of buccal samples

• Alignment to international legislation

NHLS Learning Academy• NHLS was approached by SAPS to tender a

proposal to deliver this training• NHLS offers more than just laboratory services.• NHLS Learning Academy has a wealth of subject

matter expertise and intellectual capabilities and is committed to facilitate, educate and empower not only the employees but citizens of South Africa

• NHLS LA has the technical competence and capacity to rollout this project at a National level.

Background information on Learning Academy

• Our success stories in promoting learning and development

• Our NHLS Values• Advancing the Next Generation in laboratory

medicine• Our training resources and people• Achieving a competent clinical lab footprint in SA • Our capacity and competency to assess and

develop the learner

Project Scope

• The NHLS Learning Academy will provide training interventions to police officials in groups of 20 on the collection of buccal smears at a venue that is within 150km radius from the cluster police station.

• A competency assessment will be conducted following the training and a certificate of competence issued once the police official has been deemed competent

Implementation of Training Plan

• The training will be extended to approximately 100 000 police officials over a 5 year period

• National rollout of 20 000 police officials per annum at different venues in the country

Timelines of Training Programme

Action Timeline

Evaluation of training programme including learning material

4 weeks from sign off of MoU

Pilot Training Programme 10 days from evaluation

Implementation of Gauteng Roll Out

21 days from pilot programme

National Implementation and roll-out

90 days from Gauteng Roll Out

Implementation of training FY13-14

• Pilot – Middle of October 2013• Start training in November 2013 in Gauteng• December 2013- No training due to holiday season• Train 3000 police officials• Post Implementation Feedback

One Day Learning Program Content

Section A: Training and Competency of collection of Buccal Smears

Background to DNA and Buccal Cells

Workflow of the buccal smear collection to DNA profile search

Demonstration on procedure for use of kit in the collection of buccal smears

Approach and explanation to the supect

Preparation of workstation

The buccal smear collection kit

Completing the paperwork accurately

Health and safety, risks and possible diseases

One Day Learning Program Content

Section A: Training and Competency of collection of Buccal Smears - contd

Collection of sample

Understanding the chain of custody

Procedure to use the kit

Re-packing, sealing and storage of the kit with buccal smear

Supply of buccal smear kits and stock control

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT

One Day Learning Program Content

Section B: SAPS/ Forensic Awareness

What is forensic science?

National DNA Database

DNA Forensic Awareness

Questions and Answers

Closing and Feedback session

Conclusion

• Finalisation of MOU• Commitment• Future opportunities• Social responsibility• Deliver quality training• Jointly making a difference and contribution to a

safer SA