Forensic Center of Excellence
Decades of tireless effort and outpouring support of the Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) program at UCHealth Memorial have culminated to the construction and opening of a Forensic Center of Excellence (FCOE), the first of its kind in the world. Embedded within the Emergency Department of UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, this space will enable the FNE team to provide direct patient care in an environment that incorporates trauma-informed design elements and dedicated space for legal resources and advocacy services. In addition, this space allows for education and preceptorship opportunities and a dedicated telehealth space in order to expand access to expert forensic care throughout Colorado.

Sarah Hagedorn, MSN, RN, CCRN, SANE-A, SANE-P, Clinical Manager, SANE/DAFE Project Director gives a tour of the Forensic Center of Excellence while under construction.
Join us for the Grand Opening of this state-of-the-art space
This unique opportunity to view and tour this space will allow you to meet the FNE team, ask questions, and learn about the cutting-edge of forensic care happening in Colorado Springs.
Please feel free to utilize the free valet at our North Entrance. Turn from Boulder Street on to Bob Peters Grove and follow signs for the the North Entrance.
You may also park in the free parking garage. Take the stairs or elevator, located in the southwest corner of the garage to the ground level and follow signs for the North Enterance.
Attire: Casual or business casual is appropriate. The tour will include some walking.
Masking Requirements: You are no longer required to wear a mask while visiting the hospital. However, the tour will briefly pass through the Emergency Department, masks will be available for use if you desire one.
If you have questions, or need additional information please contact the Foundation at 719-365-4483 or MHFoundation@uchealth.org
What is a “Center of Excellence”?
Centers of excellence, are defined as specialized programs within healthcare institutions which supply exceptionally high concentrations of expertise and related resources centered on particular medical areas and delivered in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary fashion. Additionally, many CoE definitions include innovation as a key component.
UCHealth Memorial’s Forensic Nurse Examiner program is a high volume, longstanding department that provides comprehensive care to all victims of violence. Over half of the FNE team members carry one or more SANE certifications, this is emblematic of their commitment to excellence and professional nursing practice. Members of the FNE team present and teach at the local, state and national level and several team members have published in professional journals. The FNE team is deeply embedded in our community and have highly function relationships with our community partners and the multidisciplinary team.
For the past decade, UCHealth Memorial’s FNE program has provided high quality, state-wide education free of charge to the entire state of Colorado. The expansion to teleSANE services reflects not only their commitment to ensuring that all patients in Colorado, regardless of location, receive the highest quality care, but is a great example of innovation. Additionally, the FNE team engages in nursing research in order to increase the body of knowledge for forensic nursing and improve patient care.
Want to learn more?
Read more in the recent Gazette article here.
Partners of the FCOE
TESSA
Safe Passage
Colorado Springs Police Department
El Paso County Sheriff’s Department
United States Office for Victims of Crime