THE opening of a new facility in Dunfermline which will help victims of rape or sexual assault has been hailed as a "massive milestone".

The forensic suite was opened in the Queen Margaret Hospital on Friday and will offer healthcare and forensic examination services to victims.

The service has been developed in partnership with the Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer, Fife’s Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Fife, police and other local organisations.

It will support those who need it and take into account any further support that may be required after the examination.

In Fife, there are approximately 60 forensic medical examinations carried out each year, with a further 150 people reporting a rape or sexual assault to the police.

Jan Swan, from Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (FRASAC), was delighted to see the opening of the facility.

“Having this dedicated suite is a massive milestone," she said. "We have been working to get this in Fife for many years so it is very emotional to see all the hard work paying off.

"Ensuring a consistent approach to the quality of medical and healthcare services will help to improve individual wellbeing, reduce the likelihood of further trauma as well as ensuring the timely collection of evidence to support any criminal proceedings.”

Michael Kellet, director Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, said: "Having this new, state-of-the-art healthcare and forensic medical suite will allow those who have gone through the trauma of a rape or sexual assault to be seen in an environment they feel comfortable in, and have access to the services they need.”

Heather Bett, clinical services manager, added: “I’m really proud of all the hard work that partners have put into the new suite. We have worked together closely to ensure we have an environment and services in place that meet the needs of Fifers.

"The support and funding from Scottish Government and input from those who have used the service and local organisations has been instrumental in providing an environment that is modern, comfortable and accessible.”

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has been clear that improving healthcare services for victims of rape and sexual assault is a priority. Consultation has recently been carried out to look at how legislation can improve forensic medical services, seeking views from health and justice organisations, medical professionals, the third sector and survivors.

“This is a welcome investment in Queen Margaret Hospital. Going forward, it’s essential that services at our local hospital continue to be enhanced.”