AN EXPANDED treatment unit for victims of child sexual abuse has been established at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin.
The facility, which integrates the existing abuse assessment unit with a centre for ongoing treatment and support services, was officially opened yesterday by the Minister of State for Health, Mr Austin Currie. It was blessed by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, who is chairman of the hospital's management committee.
The new unit was made possible by a £650,000 grant from the Department of Health and by the approval of extra staff. There has been an assessment unit in Crumlin since 1987, but the hospital sought the extension after recognising a need for co ordinating assessment and treatment in a larger facility. Psychologists and social workers are already operating in the purpose built unit, which provides therapy to families as well as children.