IMMEDIATE improvements have been called for after it was revealed children in Fife who have been victims of sexual attacks are having to travel to Edinburgh for medical examinations.

Paediatric cover is only available in Fife during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which means young victims are having to travel across the bridge to access services if they need to be seen outwith those times.

A report on forensic medical services for survivors of sexual abuse published this week by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) stated that Police Scotland believe the issue required “immediate attention.”

Inspectorate Gill Imery said all who work in this specialist area agreed “unanimously” that it was critical that improvements in the service were made.

"It is entirely inappropriate to have children travelling significant distances, incurring considerable time delays and, in some cases, being asked not to wash,” she said.

“It is a priority for many and progress will assist people to come to terms with such a traumatic experience. 

“A victim-centred response to sexual crime can have a positive effect on the long-term health and recovery of an individual, continued engagement in any criminal justice process, as well as improved quality of evidence to support any criminal proceedings.”

Dunfermline West MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said she hoped recently-announced Scottish Government funding would bring improvements.

“It’s important that forensic testing services are delivered to take account of a victim’s needs,” she said. 

“That’s why we need compassionate healthcare and support available to victims, as close as possible to the point of need.

“It’s welcome that the Scottish Government has committed £8.5 million over the next three years to improve healthcare services for victims of sexual crimes, through workforce recruitment, training, and building facilities. 

"I’ve written to the Justice Secretary to seek assurances that Fife will benefit from this funding.”

Dr Catherine Calderwood, chief medical officer and chair of the Rape and Sexual Assault Taskforce, said work was ongoing to improve services around the country.

“Paediatric care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and NHS Fife are also recruiting more specialists to carry out examinations locally in order to minimise the need for children to travel in very distressing circumstances,” she said. 

“It is vitally important that the best possible care is easily accessible to all survivors of assault.”