FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) announces the start of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam (SAMFE) Program at Fort Hood. Beginning Sept. 15, TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical assistance following a sexual assault can receive care at CRDAMC’s Emergency Department instead of traveling to Baylor, Scott & White in Temple.
Law enforcement officials responding to reports of sexual assault involving TRICARE beneficiaries 14 years of age and older should take them to the CRDAMC Emergency Department.
McLane Children’s Hospital will continue to provide care for patients under the age of 14.
The SAMFE team comprised of a medical director, program director, and registered nurses specially trained in sexual assault exams understands the unique needs of patients who may have become victims of sexual assault. The nurse examiner team led by Sheilah Priori, RN, SAMFE program director, is equipped to provide responsive and reliable care to community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While sexual assault can be difficult for patients to report, Priori wants community members to know they can receive medical care in a safe place without fear.
Lt. Col. Christine Laky, SAMFE medical director, recently commented that our first responsibility as a medical treatment facility is to provide medical care. The SAMFE team will provide medical support to all patients that have become victims of sexual assault in an objective manner.
According to Priori, “It takes courage to report a sexual assault, but I want patients to know that SAMFE provides support from trauma to trial.”
SAMFE makes reporting smoother; however, seeking care at CRDAMC does not affect patients’ right to make their own decision about reporting incidents.
There are several benefits to having a local program, but Priori sums it up by noting that the biggest benefit is for community members.
According to Priori, “SAMFE empowers patients by making it easier to seek medical care in a safe place.”
Years of experience as a sexual assault nurse examiner give Priori first-hand knowledge of the courage it takes to report an assault as well as reasons they sometimes choose not to report. SAMFE’s presence at CRDAMC reduces barriers to getting treatment.
Priori stated traveling to multiple locations for care could be an obstacle to patients seeking treatment.
The experience she brings to CRDAMC is already making an impact as she prepares the team to begin work in just a few days.
When asked why she does it, Priori responded, “It’s a tough field and many people burn-out, but for me being able to make a difference in the lives of my patients makes it worth it.”
Priori, a sexual assault nurse examiner, has completed hundreds of forensic exams and provided testimony in several of those cases.
SAMFE is not just for victims of crime, but also for those accused. Anyone accused of sexual assault will receive the same level of care and understanding. Forensic providers are neutral and unbiased. The implementation of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam Program is further evidence of CRDAMC’s commitment to patient-centered care.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2014 19:37 |
| Story ID: | 141880 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CRDAMC adds SAMFE to patient care, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT