WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital has launched a sexual assault forensic nurse examiner (SAFE) program to care for and treat local victims of sexual assault.
Nurse examiners on the team have undergone 54 hours of specialized training. The team is trained to conduct a medical forensic examination of victims, collecting and documenting evidence, and to serve as expert witnesses in any resulting legal proceedings. The examiners collaborate with law enforcement officials and counselors to provide coordinated care to victims. Training includes sessions with live actors who teach the examiners how to approach and treat sexual assault victims.
Vanessa Smith, emergency department clinical lead and coordinator of the SAFE program at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, noted that in addition to documenting the physical and medical effects of the assault, the team members will also help the victim to obtain counseling, emotional support, and appropriate follow-up care.
SAFE nurses will be available around-the-clock in the WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital emergency department. Similar programs also operate at other WellSpan hospitals in Adams, Lebanon, and York counties.
The program was funded by $83,000 in support from the Ephrata Community Health Foundation, through gifts from community donors and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital physicians and staff. The Ephrata Community Health Foundation is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that exists to inspire gifts and grants to support the health and well-being of northern Lancaster County residents.
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