Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH), is making its clinical service to support victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.
The Orillia-based hospital, which operates the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SADVTC), made the announcement via release on Wednesday, saying it will provide the specialized nursing staff, clinical expertise, program leadership and coordination at RVH to support victims and survivors.
The expansion means patients age 12 and older following a sexual assault and those aged 16 and older experiencing recent intimate partner violence presenting at RVH's emergency department can now receive specialized SADV services on-site instead of requiring a transfer to OSMH for care.
"Expanding services to RVH allows us to improve access for patients while continuing to deliver care through OSMH's Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program," Jill Colin, OSMH's vice president of clinical services and chief nursing executive, said in a release.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
OSMH says the services provided include forensic evidence collection, injury assessment and documentation, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, crisis support, safety planning and referrals to community resources.
Coordination continues through OSMH over the phone with the service-seeking party asking for the SADV nurse on-call, available around the clock.
"This expansion provides patients with greater choice and access to care while reducing stress and barriers during a critical time," Robin Wanner, manager of OSMH's Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, said in a release.
OSMH's Regional SADVTC is one of 37 hospital-based centres that make up the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. It provides care across Simcoe County and surrounding areas.
