AGENCY TESTIMONY
Medical evaluation and follow-up care for patients reporting sexual abuse
1:05:19
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67 sec
CHS has comprehensive procedures for medical evaluation, documentation, and follow-up care for patients who report sexual abuse. This includes both immediate care and long-term support services.
- Patients are seen in the clinic for medical evaluation following an allegation
- Clinicians perform examinations to identify physical trauma or injuries
- Findings are documented in the patient's medical record
- Post-exposure prophylaxis is offered when applicable
- Patients are referred to mental health services and the sexual assault advocacy team
- Forensic examinations are conducted at designated hospital emergency departments
- Hospital recommendations are incorporated into CHS treatment plans upon patient return
Jeanette Merrill
1:05:19
Following an allegation, the patient is seen in the clinic for medical evaluation.
1:05:23
During the medical evaluation, the clinician will perform an examination to identify any physical indication of bodily trauma or injuries.
1:05:31
We'll document these findings in the patient's medical record, and we'll follow-up as is clinically appropriate.
1:05:36
The clinician will also offer post exposure prophylaxis when applicable.
1:05:41
CHS refers all patients to report sexual abuse to the mental health service for follow-up care and to CHS's sexual assault advocacy team for additional support.
1:05:49
Which includes the sharing of jail based and community based resources.
1:05:53
When a forensic examination or evidence collection is indicated, the patient is transferred to the hospital emergency department.
1:05:59
All 11 New York City Health And Hospitals cute care facilities, including Elmhurst Hospital where CHS's female patients primarily receive acute care and Bellevue Hospital where CHS's male patients receive acute care are designated as safe centers of excellence by the New York State Department of Health.
1:06:14
Meaning they have specially trained sexual assault response teams in each emergency room.
1:06:19
On their return from the hospital, patients are brought to the clinic to ensure hospital recommendations are incorporated into CHS treatment plans.
