“Over the years, working closely with An Garda Síochána, the Rape Crisis Centre and others, those involved in the delivery of sexual assault treatment in the South East have been excellent in their provision of vital support to people in traumatic situations. It has been an aim for some time, however, to establish the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in its own specially modified area,” according to Janet Murphy, Director of Midwifery Services, University Hospital Waterford (UHW) speaking as they launched their new unit following a relocation into their own dedicated for purpose premises in recent weeks.

Janet noted how UHW colleagues were “delighted to welcome representatives from the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme, the Rape Crisis Centre and An Garda Siochána to this occasion at the new unit, marking the launch of the service in what can be described as a serene, discrete space. We look forward to it being a welcoming, safe and comfortable facility for those who require the specialist services it provides.”

Since its establishment in 2004, the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit service had been accommodated in the main hospital building at UHW.   Following extensive renovations carried out last year, however, the service has moved to an especially adapted stand-alone setting on the grounds of UHW.  The new unit features two treatment rooms, two waiting rooms, a kitchenette, administrative support and sanitary facilities. The unit is staffed by a team including an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist, with liaison as required with colleagues and other departments in UHW, the HSE’s community healthcare services, the Rape Crisis Centre and An Garda Síochána.  

The six HSE SATUs nationwide are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help anyone that has been sexually assaulted.   The SATU in Waterford operates from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and is also available on-call after hours and at weekends.   The UHW unit provides holistic, responsive and patient-focused care for all genders and gender identities, 14 years and older who have experienced sexual crime. It also provides unbiased access to services.  

In situations where an incident has been reported to An Garda Síochána, the Gardai will arrange an appointment and help the individual get to the SATU. GPs may also make an appointment. Self-referral is also a method through which an individual can access the unit. The Waterford SATU can be contacted by phone ahead of arrival (051-842157 or via 051-848000 out of hours), so that the team can help the individual make the best plan for their care, give directions and make sure someone is there to meet them.