Sexual assault nurse examiner program proposals sought by Nova Scotia
Angela MacIvor | CBC News | Posted: April 11, 2016 8:16 PM | Last Updated: April 11, 2016
SANE programs will serve Cape Breton, Annapolis Valley, southwestern and South Shore areas
After a year of waiting, community groups can now apply to run additional sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs in Nova Scotia.
The Department of Health and Wellness issued a request for proposals on Monday. Health Minister Leo Glavine says successful bidders will serve Cape Breton, Annapolis Valley, southwestern and South Shore areas.
"We are now getting out the RFP for the eastern and western zones and that is to decide on who will provide the service in those areas," Glavine said.
In April 2015, $700,000 was set aside in the provincial budget to expand SANE programs following a CBC Investigation that revealed proper sexual assault testing was lacking in many parts of the province.
Earlier this winter, organizations that deliver sexual assault services were left wondering when the funding would be released.
"It has taken longer than we expected but we're certainly pleased that it is moving forward," Glavine said.
Dividing the money
The contracts will be awarded by late spring. Glavine says in southern Nova Scotia, there could be two or three sites.
"Different providers are a possibility within the RFP for that region," he said.
Glavine adds some money will go toward a provincial co-ordinator to "ensure a standard of care is in place."
"We want to make sure that victims of sexual assault are not re-victimized when we have long delays and a process that is not in line with current protocols," he said.
"Updating, expanding and having a high level of care is what we should be putting in place for Nova Scotians."