Irish journal of medical science
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Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) provide holistic care, frequently including forensic examination, for people who disclose sexual violence. Storage of forensic evidence without reporting to An Garda Síochána (AGS), the Irish national police service (Option 3), was introduced in August 2016. This allowed attendees time to decide whether they wanted to report to AGS, without the loss of all forensic evidence. ⋯ In conclusion, the availability of Option 3 has afforded people the opportunity to access responsive SATU care including storage of forensic evidence which may have significant evidential value. This potentially provides further opportunities for comprehensive detection of a crime, even if reporting to AGS is delayed.
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The SARS-Cov2 pandemic has caused considerable disruption to provision of routine outpatient care. This pandemic has necessitated a more modern and innovative approach to clinics, which could potentially change outpatient organisation and improve efficiency in the long term. Telephone clinics are the most practical way to deliver healthcare at a distance. ⋯ While virtual clinics remain a useful tool during the height of lockdown measures during the SARS-Cov2 pandemic, we did note a significant reduction in favourable responses to virtual appointments over physical ones upon easing of lockdown measures. Patients remained cautious in suggesting that outpatient appointments may be replaced by virtual clinics.