In a heartfelt celebration of two years of unwavering commitment, the dedicated members of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) team marked the two-year milestone with a one day workshop which included presentations by senior leaders, Forensic Medicine Queensland, social workers, and external stakeholders from the Queensland Police.
Since August 2021, there has been provision of a 24/7 service in the Wide Bay HHS for a person >14 years of age, disclosing that they have victim of a sexual assault. This has been achieved by a dedicated group of nurses who have completed additional training to be credentialled as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) by the Forensic Medicine Queensland (FMQ) – previously called CFMU. There is a 24/7 service run out of the three main Emergency Departments, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and Hervey Bay.
Senior members of the leadership team expressed the importance of continued collaboration, acknowledging the growth of the partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
Dr Fiona Baker, Staff Specialist at Hervey Bay Hospital said, “This service provides a victim-focused approach to the clinical, forensic, and psychosocial needs of those presenting to the Emergency Department disclosing sexual assault.
“The SANEs are a dedicated, highly valued group of nurses who collaboratively work with the Emergency Departments, to ensure timely and consistent forensic care for this vulnerable patient group. We are proud of the high quality forensic service we provide in the Wide Bay and continue to work at a district wide level to further develop and streamline processes to improve patient journey.”
WBHHS SANE Professional Lead and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Jodie Orchard said, “The hard work and commitment to establishing this service has helped our HHS be able to meet the requirements of the new Ministerial Direction on the 17 November 2023. We are still recruiting to the on call rosters and keen to continue to discuss opportunities with suitability experienced staff.”
The rolling recruitment process was announced to continue, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals into the SANE team. An educational pathway for registered nurses interested in joining the program was also highlighted as a target for development and as part of the ongoing commitment to excellence.
Director of Nursing, Jane Bartley said “The WBHHS group of SANE nurses continue to go above and beyond to meet the needs of this vulnerable patient group. The commitment to our WBHHS values is at the heart of this small group of nurses providing patient centred care.”