Support service on sexual assault set up in Glasgow

VICTIMS of sexual assault and rape in Glasgow and the West of Scotland will be able to access a new support service by 2022.

An inspection of the current service carried out in 2017 was heavily critical of the care provided across Scotland to people who have been raped and sexually assaulted.

Despite positive feedback from service users at the Archway service in Glasgow, it was noted that the facility was not consistently available for significant periods of time – particularly overnight and at weekends.

A task force set up by the Scottish Government aims to deliver consistent, person-centred, trauma-informed healthcare and forensic medical services and access to recovery for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault in Scotland by the end of next year.

An update was brought before the wellbeing committee to advise on progress with the development of a model for the West of Scotland Sexual Assault and Rape Service which will be hosted within Glasgow.

Rhoda MacLeod, head of adult services at Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The sexual assault and rape service which is hosted in Glasgow will benefit the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

“In March 2017 there was an inspection across Scotland with regards to the people who have been raped and sexually assaulted across Scotland. It was heavily critical at the time.

“Glasgow stood out as a model of excellent practice, but the report also highlighted that it was inconsistent in terms of its opening hours and reliance on commission.

“This resulted in a national taskforce being set up. In June 2018 it was decided we should have a regional approach co-ordinated by a regional centre of expertise.

“The model which has been agreed ensures that we will have one doctor and one nurse on 24 hours a day based in Glasgow.”