Editorial Staff , 2025-05-16 07:30:00
Service, operational since 2004, relocates to stand-alone setting on the grounds of southeast hospital
The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) has moved to a new home.
Serving the southeast region, the unit, which had previously been accommodated within the hospital, has relocated to its own, dedicated, stand-alone premises.
The move follows extensive renovations carried out last year.
The new unit features two treatment rooms, two waiting-rooms, kitchenette, admin support and sanitary facilities. It is staffed by a team including an advanced nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist, with liaison as required with colleagues and other departments in UHW, the HSE’s community healthcare services, the Rape Crisis Centre and An Garda Síochána.
In situations where an incident has been reported to An Garda Síochána, the Gardai will arrange an appointment and help the victim get to the SATU. GPs may also make an appointment. Self-referral is also a method through which you can access the SATU.
Speaking at an event marking the opening of the new unit, director of midwifery services at University Hospital Waterford) Janet Murphy said: “Over the years, working closely with An Garda Síochána, the Rape Crisis Centre and others, those involved in the delivery of sexual assault treatment in the southeast have been excellent in their provision of vital support to people in traumatic situations.
“It has been an aim for some time, however, to establish the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in its own specially modified area.
“University Hospital Waterford colleagues are delighted to welcome representatives of the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme, the Rape Crisis Centre and An Garda Siochána to this occasion at the new unit, marking the launch of the service in what can be described as a serene, discrete space.
“We look forward to it being a welcoming, safe and comfortable facility for those who require the specialist services it provides.”
The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford can be phoned ahead of arrival (051-842157 or via 051-848000 out of hours), so that the team can make the best plan for patient’s care, give directions and make sure that someone is there to meet the patient when they arrive.
The unit operates from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and is also available on-call after hours and at weekends. It provides holistic, responsive and patient focused care for all anyone aged 14 years and older who have experienced sexual crime.
Nationwide, the HSE runs six sexual assault treatment units which are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help anyone that has been sexually assaulted.
