Forensic Nursing

Forensic Examination of Sexual Assault Initiative

Six sexual assault treatment units have been set up across the country, in Letterkenny, Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Mullingar and Galway to provide an appropriate environment for treatment of patients who disclose recent rape or sexual assault.

The Report "Sexual Assault Treatment Services -A National Review" (HSE, 2006) recommended the introduction of a pilot programme in forensic Nursing to support the roll out and development of the Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU's) nationally.

A national programme - Higher Diploma in Nursing (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) was developed to meet staff educational needs and to address guidelines for practice. Eight nurses/midwives graduated from the RCSI in March 2009 and have been accredited as Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialists in Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and are working in the SATU's around the country.

A further 6 nurses completed their training in Sept 2011 in the RCSI to enhance capacity and develop the service further.

This initiative won the Taoiseach Public Service Award in July 2010.

For further information in relation to the Higher Diploma Programme, contact: patrick.glackin@hse.ie