The HSE’s Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford, serving the South East region, has relocated to its own, dedicated for purpose premises.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit service had been accommodated in the main hospital building at University Hospital Waterford (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 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) features two treatment rooms, two waiting rooms, kitchenette, admin 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 HSE’s six 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 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) at UHW provides holistic, responsive and patient focused care for all genders and gender identities, 14 years and older who have experienced sexual crime. The SATU at UHW 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 you get to the SATU. GPs may also make an appointment. Self-referral is also a method through which you can access the SATU.
The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford can be phoned ahead of arrival (051-842157 or via 051-848000 out of hours), so that the team can help you make the best plan for your care, give you directions and make sure someone is there to meet you.
An occasion was held recently in the new SATU to mark the relocation of the service.
Addressing guests on the day, Janet Murphy (Director of Midwifery Services, University Hospital Waterford) said:
“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 in its own specially modified area.”
“University Hospital Waterford (UHW) colleagues are delighted to welcome representatives of the HSE’s 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.”
Last updated on: 15 / 05 / 2025
