Orkney Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Team Visit Buckingham Palace

Earlier this month, Dr Tariro Gandiya, Clinical Lead for Forensics and Sara Murray, Lead Forensic Nurse were invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace by HRH Queen Camila. The reception was to celebrate and thank all of the incredible work done to support the survivors of sexual violence. As well as relaunching Her Majesty’s Wash Bags project in collaboration with Boots and In Kind Direct, which provides wash kits for survivors of sexual assault. The initiative stemmed from a desire to find a practical way to help and provide some comfort and dignity at such a difficult time.

Dr Tariro Gandiya said: “It was a huge honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace by Her Royal Highness to represent NHS Orkney SARC and mark the re-launch of Her Majesty’s Wash Bag project. NHS Orkney SARC works to provide trauma informed care for survivors of sexual assault. It has been a privilege to work alongside the SARCs Network and Police Scotland on this government led initiative.

As a team we continue to strive to provide an efficient service for both police cases and self-referrals. We have a wonderful team of nurses, midwives and doctors who are working hard to provide this service to our community. We also work alongside other organisations such as Rape Crisis, Samaritans, Nordhaven and the Local GP practices who have made this work possible.”

Stephen Brown, Orkney Health and Care Chief Officer said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tariro, Sara and all involved for their passion and commitment in creating and maintaining our Orkney SARC. I know the Centre helps hugely in maintaining the dignity for people, reducing some degree of distress in an already distressing situation and potentially improving the quality of forensic evidence to help the chances of conviction too.”

Information on how to contact a SARC is on NHS inform which can direct people to their nearest SARC or you can phone via 0800 148 88 88.