Shetland medical pilot to help sex crime victims

Doctors in Shetland will pilot a training programme in forensic medical examination services for victims of sexual crime.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that NHS Education Scotland (NES) would receive £76,000 to review the training available, making it more accessible, and fund up to 50 places for doctors to complete the accredited course by 2018/19.

Mr Matheson said: “Making this training more accessible and this new funding for doctors to become qualified to carry out these examinations will mean that victims should no longer have to travel to the mainland for evidence to be taken.

“We also hope that it will encourage more female doctors throughout Scotland to come forward and become qualified to provide this service. As we learn from this pilot we can look at rolling this training out in more communities to ensure that services are improved across Scotland.

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said: “I have pressed both the Justice Secretary and the First Minister for some time over the plight of women in the Northern Isles who are forced to travel to Aberdeen for examination so this announcement is a step in the right direction and I am very supportive of the Justice Minister responding to a clear need and making this happen.”

He added: “Now we need to see the introduction of new national forensic standards which recognise island circumstances. It is essential that we ensure that survivors of sexual violence are supported without the need for a traumatic trip to the mainland. Instead they would be seen by a GP here in Shetland. That is the right thing to happen.”