HSE willing to hold new talks in bid to re-open Galway child sex assault clinic

March 30th, 8:05am March 30th, 8:05am

Galway Bay FM News Desk

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The HSE says it’s willing to engage with clinicians in a bid to re-instate the city-based Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment service.

The Parkmore-based CASATS centre, which is the State’s only 24-hour treatment service for children and adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, closed in February.

The closure of the facility followed a breakdown in talks on the future of the service.

Forensic examiners with the Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service said they had to withdraw their services due to the HSE’s failure to offer medical indemnity insurance.

Children and teens must be aged 14 or older to avail of support, examination and treatment at adult sexual assault treatment units.

Currently, children who experience sexual assault or rape must attend A&E for treatment.

In a statement to Galway Bay fm news, the HSE says it’s ‘happy’ to try and engage in meaningful discussions with the clinicians who delivered the service.