Meriter – UnityPoint Health Helps Assault Victims Begin to Heal
Hospital SANE Program Treated Record Amount of Patients in 2014
MADISON, Wis. – Meriter – UnityPoint Health is hoping to raise awareness about resources available in our community during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Meriter hospital, home to Dane County’s only Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, was involved in 428 exams and consultations in 2014, up 7 percent over the previous year and the most ever in the program’s 27-year history. However, program leaders do not believe the increase in patients is necessarily a direct correlation to crime rate.
“More people and local agencies are becoming aware of the options and services that are available after an assault, and that’s a very good thing for our community,” said Kim Curran, Co-Coordinator of the SANE program at Meriter. “But we know many others are still not getting the help they need, and it’s important that we continue to spread the word that we are here for them during this difficult time.
The SANE program is available 24/7 in the Meriter Hospital Emergency Room. It’s staffed by a team of nurses with special training in medical-forensic examinations and psychological and emotional trauma for patients of all ages. Nurses provide emotional support, a physical examination, assistance with concerns about sexually transmitted diseases and a medical follow-up plan, including coordination with the Rape Crisis Center. Nurses can also collect evidence and help with reporting to police, if the patient so chooses. (Reporting is mandatory for minors.)
Regardless of when the assault occurred, we encourage all victims to seek medical services to discuss both short-term and long-term health concerns. If you or someone you know is in need of support after an assault, visit the Meriter Hospital ER or call 417-6000 and ask for the SANE nurse on call.
About Meriter–UnityPoint Health
Meriter–UnityPoint Health provides comprehensive, coordinated care to patients throughout the Greater Madison area through our clinics, hospital and home care services. Employing more than 3,500 people, Meriter offers primary and specialty care, including heart and vascular, orthopedics, women’s health, and the busiest birthing center in Wisconsin. Meriter was named a 100 Top Hospital by Truven Analytics, is a 2014 recipient of the National Research Corporations’ Top Rated Pediatric Doctors award, a four-time winner of the Most Wired award and In Business magazine’s 2014 Top Company to Work For. For more information, visit meriter.com.
