Forensic Nurse Examiner Program

For the first time, victims of sexual assault in the Pee Dee have access to specialized, trauma-informed care without having to leave the region with the establishment of the McLeod Health Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Program. This program, years in the making, serves adult and pediatric victims alike.

If you are a victim of domestic violence/intimate partner violence or sexual assault, contact Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault. The call is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.

CRISIS HOTLINE:
Toll Free  1 (800) 273-1820
Florence  (843) 669-4600

http://www.peedeecoalition.org/

  • Services

    The McLeod FNE Team provides 24/7/365 forensic nurse coverage for victims of violence and neglect, utilizing the most-up-to-date evidence-based, trauma-informed and patient-centered forensic nursing practices. Forensic Nurses are specifically trained to treat victims of sexual assault in a compassionate and understanding manner.

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    They help with the physical, psychological and social trauma faced by someone who has been assaulted or abused. McLeod Forensic Nurses treat the following: sexual assault, domestic or intimate partner violence (if there is a sexual assault component), child abuse or neglect, and exploitation/sex trafficking.

    Instead of sitting in the waiting room, victims of sexual violence entering the hospital’s Emergency Department are now immediately triaged and treated for physical injuries. While this acute medical exam takes place, an on-call forensic nurse is alerted and begins preparing a private room dedicated solely for sexual violence cases. Here, the nurse will first conduct a gentle interview with the patient to document the course of events. Next, the patient is brought to a dedicated exam room that, while equipped with state-of-the-art exam equipment, is specifically designed to provide a comfortable and homey environment. In this room, the forensic exam, evidence collection and administration of appropriate medications take place. In addition to a couch and recliner, exam rooms are equipped with various items to make the patient feel at home.

    This program was made possible by the generous support of donors to the McLeod Health Foundation.

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  • Level 1 SAFE Designation

    The South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) has awarded McLeod Regional Medical Center with a Level 1 SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) designation. Similar to a hospital’s trauma level designation, this designation tells the community and collaborating agencies what type of forensic nursing services are provided at McLeod.

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    McLeod is only the second hospital in the state to achieve this designation.

    Level 1 is the highest designation attainable and demonstrates that McLeod Regional Medical Center provides the most up-to-date evidence-based, trauma-informed and patient-centered forensic nursing practices for adult, adolescent and pediatric patients 24/7/365.

    The Forensic Nurse Examiner Task Force, headed by SCVAN, in partnership with multiple state agencies including the Attorney General’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Hospital Association and more, has implemented a statewide standard of care for sexual assault victims.

    (left to right): Will McLeod, CEO, McLeod Regional Medical Center; Cheryl Neuner, Regional Systems Developer-Perinatal Outreach for McLeod Regional Medical Center; Tammy Abel, Vice President of Women’s & Children’s Services, McLeod Regional Medical Center; Kelley McCormick, Clinical Nurse Manager, McLeod Regional Medical Center Emergency Department; Shannon Scott, Coordinator, McLeod Health Forensic Nurse Examiner Program; Lauren Moose, McLeod Forensic Nurse Examiner; and Dr. Carl Chelen, McLeod Pediatric Intensivist

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