QNMU applauds priority treatment for sexual assault victims

Published: 17 November 2023 

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) commends and welcomes State Government intervention to ensure victims of sexual assault receive priority and appropriate care in Queensland public hospitals. 

QNMU Secretary Kate Veach said in an unprecedented move, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has used a Ministerial Directive to ensure public hospitals have staff are on site 24/7 to administer rape kits. 

The QNMU is advised the directive follows reports of multiple Queensland hospitals failing to provide timely care to a woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted. 

“We commend Minister Fentiman’s intervention to ensure sexual assault victims are prioritised and have access to appropriate care at all times in Queensland public hospitals,” Ms Veach said. 

“The fact this wasn’t already the case beggars belief. No one should be turned away from care, including those who have experienced extreme trauma and are seeking help. 

“The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union and our 71,000 members state-wide applaud this intervention from Minister Fentiman.” 

Under the directive, 26 public hospitals between Cairns and Coolangatta must ensure appropriately trained staff, or staff supported by access to a 24/7 hotline, are available to appropriately administer rape kits at all times. 

The directive states sexual assault victims at public hospitals will be required to be seen within 10 minutes.  

It will also be compulsory for hospital and health services state-wide to include actions taken to comply with the directive in their next annual report. 

Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action. 

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