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This unit was established in 1985, and was the first dedicated sexual assault treatment unit in Europe. It has gained international recognition as a centre of excellence, based on the extensive expertise that the unit holds in the medical and forensic treatment of those who have been subject to sexual crime and also in recognition of the training programmes, both basic and advanced, that are facilitated by the unit.

The difficulties in providing a high quality service for victims of sexual assault were appreciated by Minister Mary Harney, a National Steering Committee on Violence against Women was set up and a review of sexual assault treatment services was funded. This was undertaken jointly with the department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The review was published in 2006, and in early 2007 a presentation of the recommendations was made to Minster Harney by staff of SATU. Following this, implementation of the recommendations commenced, and now, in 2009, this implementation process is almost complete.

In January 2009 Ireland’s first forensic nurse/midwife examiners were appointed and began delivering a more accessible service around the country. The Rotunda has two forensic nurse/midwife examiners working in the unit; this development makes Ireland among the leaders in this field in Europe.
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To provide an easily accessible, holistic service for victims of sexual crime by addressing medical, psychological and emotional needs while being cognisant of the place of forensic examination to aid the legal process. To provide all treatment in a non-judgemental manner, conveying that no one deserves to be raped and that the patient is not responsible for the alleged assault. To continue to promote the development and progression of national services for men and women who have been sexually assaulted by a close involvement with RCNI, An Garda Siochana and forensic laboratory services. To develop, promote and provide postgraduate education programmes for doctors, midwives and nurses to ensure that highest quality care is provided at all times.
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LOCATION AND FACILITIES

The SATU is located at the Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. The unit was established in 1985 and moved to a new examination suite, in the Colposcopy Unit, in 2005. The unit comprises separate areas for interview of the patient, physical and forensic examination as well as bathroom and shower facilities.

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STAFF

Moira Dolan and Patricia O'Connor are Clinical Nurse/Midwife Managers for the unit. Aideen Walsh and Deirdra Richardson are the Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialists. Rita O’Connor and Eileen Tunney share the Administrative responsibilities. Unit staff are available during office hours but advice and assistance is available from on-call staff on a 24 hour basis.

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SATU CONTACT DETAILS

Tel. : 01-817 1736 email: satu@rotunda.ie (9.00am - 4.30pm, Monday - Friday)
To make contact outside of these hours, please telephone the Rotunda Hospital at 01-817 1700.

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CHILDREN'S SERVICES

The SATU at the Rotunda Hospital offers services for men and women over the age of 14 years. Children aged less than 14 years are generally seen in the Emergency Departments of the children’s hospitals.
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This website is provided purely for information purposes, it should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any kind.

Tel: 01-817 1700 Fax: 01-872 6523

Page last updated: November 2009