February 8, 2012

Chicago Sun-Times

To the Editor:

Contrary to the very incomplete and narrow picture the article painted ("Rape Victims Get Short Shrift in Illinois," Feb. 5), Illinois hospitals are seriously committed to providing the most compassionate and highest quality care to every patient, including survivors of sexual assault. On October 19, 2011, the Illinois Hospital Association and Illinois Attorney General held a press conference to announce a collaboration to increase the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) for victims of rape and other sexual assaults.

IHA and the Attorney General have partnered to double the number of SANE nurses in hospitals to 150 and to implement a SANE program in each of Illinois' 11 trauma regions by this fall. Since last summer, a group of hospitals active in this effort has been working jointly with IHA and the Attorney General to realize these goals.

Many hospitals currently utilize SANEs and are striving to achieve 24/7 coverage in their emergency departments. Some are working on creative ideas for increasing SANE coverage, including a regional approach where several hospitals can share the services of SANEs who would be on call to report where needed.

Furthermore, Illinois hospitals are committed to increasing the practice of SANEs, and are encouraging nurses to complete SANE training. Portions of SANE training have been modified to include an online component to provide greater scheduling flexibility for working nurses. This month's training session was completely booked, and eight hospitals, including four Chicago area hospitals already are registered for training in March. One Chicago hospital has nurses registered for both Urbana and Chicago training sessions, and another committed Chicago hospital is sending staff to all three 2012 trainings scheduled thus far. In fact, more sessions may be needed to accommodate the growing interest of hospitals.

Strong, effective programs require extensive planning, training and execution. Illinois hospitals will continue to work with the Attorney General to strengthen SANE programs to ensure that survivors receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Sincerely,

Maryjane A. Wurth, President & CEO
Illinois Hospital Association
Naperville, IL