Manager resigns from beleaguered HSC sex assault nurse examiner program

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This article was published 09/05/2023 (853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s health minister insists the resignation of the sex assault nurse examiner program director at Health Sciences Centre is not a setback.

“Positions are being posted and are being filled. Individuals are receiving care 24-7 through an inter-disciplinary model using physicians,” Audrey Gordon said after question period Tuesday, following the revelation the manager had quit about two months after being hired.

“We are going to see it fully staffed this summer at HSC,” the health minister said, despite repeated staffing issues, including resignations, that have delayed forensic examinations of victims, in some cases.

The initial hiring of the registered nurse (who is from Alberta and had worked remotely) was controversial and strongly criticized by opposition parties, as well as the Manitoba Nurses Union.

On Tuesday, the MNU president disputed the minister’s claim victims won’t be hurt by the latest setback.

“Despite the resignation of the remote program manager, there has yet to be any forward motion, that we are aware of, in the (sex assault nurse examiner) program,” said Darlene Jackson.

“We are hearing reports that patients are still experiencing excessive wait times to be seen due to staffing issues and, in some cases, patients are presenting but giving up and leaving without care.”

Jackson accused the PC government of allowing the program to become a “political ploy” rather than an opportunity to provide care to survivors of intimate partner violence.

Shared Health, which oversees health care in Manitoba, said in a statement from an unnamed spokesperson the availability of care had stabilized “through the collective effort of existing SANE nurses, physicians and others, working with both scheduled and on-call coverage.”

It acknowledged the short time the manager had worked at the HSC program.

Her hiring was announced March 3. Less than three weeks later, a group of casual nurses specially trained as forensic examiners (who helped fill staffing gaps in the program) quit.

“We want to thank her for the expertise and experience she brought to our program, and are grateful for the contributions she made in a short period of time, particularly her work to develop best practice standards,” Shared Health said.

“We will continue to build upon the expert recommendations she has provided.”

At the time of her hiring, Shared Health said program manager’s family was originally from Manitoba, and she would continue a hybrid model of remote and in-person work in the interim.

It refused to say whether she would eventually move to Manitoba.

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On Tuesday, Shared health said the program continues to be developed.

“Interviews have been completed for a new education role, in recognition of the importance of standardized education, processes and practices for staff, both at HSC and at satellite locations. New program medical directors have been appointed. Training for the permanent nurses continues, with the first group of HSC-based participants expected to complete their studies and be able to work independently in at the end of this month.”

It said, although data wasn’t immediately available for February and March, it could confirm anyone who sought an examination in April had an exam completed during their initial visit.

One of the stinging complaints of the HSC program has been victims were told, in some instances, to go home and return later when a nurse was available. They were told not to wash themselves, so evidence could be preserved.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca