The Forensic Nursing Services at Lions Gate Hospital has helped many survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Survivors come to the hospital from all areas of the province and range in age from 13 to 80 years old. The most common demographic is females between the ages of 30 and 39 years old and most attacks were from someone they knew. 

The team recently acquired a specialized forensic camera, funded by the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, that helps with documenting injuries.

“We document a survivor's injuries on anatomical drawings and photographs of these injuries will have more visual impact in court,” says Jacquie Miller, co-ordinator for the forensic nursing services program at Lions Gate Hospital. “The use of the camera’s specialized blue lighting will allow us to identify injuries that might not otherwise be visible to the naked eye.”

“The Lions Gate Hospital Foundation is proud to support the essential work of the Forensic Nursing Services team,” says Judy Savage, President & CEO of Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. “Thanks to the thoughtful contributions of our donors, we are able to fund this specialized camera which will ensure staff have the best tools and technology available to help patients in their time of need.”

Many of the hospital’s Forensic Nursing Service team members live on the North Shore and are invested in creating a safe place for survivors who need support. They continue to recruit and train nurses.

In marking this first year of service, the Forensic Nursing Services team would also like to raise awareness about the program for the North Shore community. Previously, patients travelled into Vancouver for forensic nursing and sexual assault services.

The program is a gender-inclusive program, and cares for anyone 13 years of age and older. Services include assessment, emotional support, treatment of injuries (including for sexually transmitted infections), emergency medical care, emergency contraception, the collection and storage of forensic evidence, and safety planning. The team works closely with other agencies, such as RCMP and West Vancouver Police, to help with education, information, evidence collection and victim support. Survivors are not required to involve police unless they choose to.

Patients who have used Forensic Nursing Services, so far, report feeling safe and supported. Community partners say the program is empowering and compassionate.

“The new Forensic Nursing Program at Lions Gate Hospital has made such a positive impact in our community over the past year,” says Anna Nelson, a sexual assault support worker with Family Services North Shore. “Since the program launched, we’ve seen a 43% increase in clients accessing our services, with just under half of those referred directly from the Forensic Nursing program at LGH. This speaks volumes about the program’s effectiveness in fostering trust and empowering individuals on their unique paths to healing.”

“I want to extend my gratitude to VCH and, in particular, the Violence Against Women in Relationships Sexual Assault Services sub-committee for their advocacy and leadership,” says City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan. “This service will help survivors get the timely and compassionate care they need close to home and minimize the risk of re-traumatization caused by navigating unfamiliar and complex health systems. It represents a meaningful step toward a more equitable and trauma-informed approach to health care for survivors.” 

For more information on the program or to apply to become part of the team, visit the VCH website.