In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Lisa Johansson, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Simrandeep Singh-Khaira, Social Worker from the West Moreton Sexual Assault Support Service at Ipswich Hospital.

They discuss how victim survivors are supported through trauma-informed, person-centred care in the emergency department, including psychosocial, medical, and forensic pathways. The conversation also covers GP obligations, mandatory reporting, consent laws, referral options, and how GPs can guide patients to appropriate hospital and community-based supports, both within and beyond the seven-day forensic window.

To note:

• An assault occurring within 7 days: If the assault has occurred within a 7-day timeframe, the victim survivor can attend Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department where they will receive psychosocial support via a Social Worker and also be provided with the opportunity to undergo a forensic examination. During their presentation to the Emergency Department, the victim survivor also will have the option to report the assault to the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Victim survivors can undergo a forensic examination without making a report to QPS.

• An assault occurring beyond 7 days: If the assault has occurred outside a 7-day timeframe, the victim survivor can still retain the right to report the assault to QPS, either by attending their local police station or by making a verbal report via Policelink on 131 444.

• Alternative reporting: If the victim survivor does not wish to make a formal report to QPS, they may submit an anonymous Alternative Reporting Options (ARO) report online or through Policelink on 131 444.

Resources

Queensland Police Service: Alternative Reporting Options

DVAC: DVAC services

1800RESPECT

National Redress Scheme

Queensland Government: Consent laws in Queensland

In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Dr Mei-Ching Freeman and Dr Brent Simkus, hospital clinicians from West Moreton Health, to unpack the growing range of hospital, virtual, and community-based services available to support GPs in the region.

They cover how to navigate local care pathways, reduce unnecessary emergency department presentations, and support vulnerable patients, particularly older adults, people in residential aged care, and patients with mental health needs.

Resources

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN: Find the right care

West Moreton Health: Important numbers for GPs in the West Moreton region

West Moreton Health: West Moreton GP contacts for mental health services

healthdirect: Symptom Checker

Ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dr Tanusha speaks with Peter Tully and Grandall Manning – Partners at DCA Mentoring Supports.

The DCA Mentoring Supports team have the lived experience of being both NDIS participants, and nominees.

They discuss the challenges GPs often face when completing NDIS Access Request Forms and why focusing on functional impact is essential. They also highlight practical ways clinicians can improve communication and support patients throughout the NDIS access journey.

Resources

DCA Mentoring Supports