Through a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Nantucket Cottage Hospital is now able to link victims of sexual assault or abuse with nurses specially trained in medical forensic care in the immediate aftermath of such incidents.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital is one of six hospitals in Massachusetts to launch a TeleSANE program, which connects hospital clinicians and sexual assault patients with certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) through innovative video conferencing technology.

Through a secure and confidential video link, TeleSANE nurses are available 24/7 to assist NCH clinicians in the emergency department with everything from evidence collection to documentation and other support they need to provide quality sexual assault care to victims.

TeleSANE nurses are employed by the National TeleNursing Center and based at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Through the TeleSANE program, they complement the competence and confidence of local clinicians so that they are well-equipped to care for sexual assault victims and collect vital evidence.

The state Department of Public Health TeleSANE nurses will work with the all island organizations on sexual assault cases including local law enforcement, medical staff, and agencies like A Safe Place. 

“This program provides NCH with the resources to give island patients the best and most-up-to-date care possible when it comes to medical forensic care for sexual assault or abuse,” said Martha Lake-Greenfield, nurse manager of the NCH Emergency Department.