LABOR parliamentarian Clare Scriven is seeking answers why there were no suitably trained staff at the Mount Gambier Hospital in January when a 17-year-old girl needed a forensic medical examination after an alleged sexual assault.
Ms Scriven has written to Health Minister Stephen Wade questioning why the hospital’s only two forensic examiners were granted leave during the New Year’s Eve period.
The incident occurred on Long Beach, Robe just before midnight on December 31.
On Wednesday, January 1, police attempted to have a forensic investigation at the Mount Gambier Hospital, with Superintendent Phil Hoff saying the facility “will not provide the services required”.
Supt Hoff said Mount Gambier police escorted the woman to an Adelaide hospital foran examination.
He said since the incident, police have had fruitful discussions with the hospital and were looking at recruiting more trained staff.
“We have had some pretty good collaboration with the hospital in the aftermath,” Supt Hoff said.
“The end game in all of this is for the community to get a service.”
Ms Scriven said the lack of forensic medical examiners was “absolutely unacceptable” and called on the State Government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
“Mount Gambier is the second largest city in the state and should be able to provide a crucial procedure whenever required,” she said.
“It is an outrage the victim had to endure a lengthy journey to Adelaide to undergo this needed medical examination.
“The lack of forensic medical examiners in our region is unjust and should be addressed immediately.”
Limestone Coast Community Justice Centre solicitor Katherine Davies echoed Ms Scriven’s comments, saying forensic evidence greatly increases the chances of identifying offenders and getting convictions in court.
“It is essential that forensic medical examinations are done at the earliest possible time and victims are treated with the utmost respect and compassion,” she said.
Ms Davies, who is also secretary of the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group, said long delays and long distances could exacerbate trauma and distress victims suffer.
“Victims of sexual assaults are obviously traumatised and distraught and long delays and long distances to travel can make that worse,” she said.
“It is essential we have services available locally at all times.”
Health Minister Stephen Wade’s office was contacted for comment.
