OSMH Expands Its Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program to RVH in Barrie

(Orillia, ON) – Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), which operates the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SADVTC), has expanded access to its specialized services by establishing a new service delivery location at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.

As the lead organization for the Regional SADV Program, OSMH provides the specialized nursing staff, clinical expertise, program leadership and coordination that support victims/survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence across the region. The expansion to RVH represents an extension of OSMH’s established regional service model, improving access to care while maintaining consistent standards, clinical oversight and specialized expertise.

Patients aged 12 and older presenting at RVH’s Emergency Department can now receive specialized SADV services on-site, eliminating the need for transfer to OSMH for care.

Specialized nurses from OSMH’s Regional SADV Program travel to RVH to provide the same expert, compassionate, trauma-informed care available at OSMH.

“Expanding services to RVH allows us to improve access for patients while continuing to deliver care through OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program,” said Jill Colin, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at OSMH.

“As the regional provider of these specialized services, OSMH is committed to ensuring victims/survivors across our communities have timely access to expert care, wherever they enter the healthcare system.”

“This expansion provides patients with greater choice and access to care while reducing stress and barriers during a critical time,” said Robin Wanner, Manager of OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre.

“Patients can now access acute SADV services at either OSMH or RVH, allowing us to provide timely, compassionate and specialized care closer to home when it is needed most.”

Wanner added that the expansion strengthens the reach of OSMH’s regional program by bringing specialized care directly to patients in additional communities while maintaining a single, coordinated model of care across the region.

The program supports individuals aged 12 and older following a sexual assault and those aged 16 and older experiencing recent intimate partner violence. Services include forensic evidence collection, injury assessment and documentation, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, crisis support, safety planning and referrals to community resources.

OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre is one of 37 hospital-based centres that make up the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. Through its regional mandate, OSMH provides specialized SADV services and clinical leadership for communities across Simcoe County and surrounding areas, ensuring access to comprehensive, high-quality care for victims/survivors when and where it is needed.

This service expansion reflects a shared commitment among hospitals, police services and community agencies to provide equitable, patient-centred care, improve access to specialized services and reduce unnecessary transfers within the healthcare system.

The referral process remains unchanged. Referrals continue to be coordinated through OSMH by calling 705-325-2201 ext. 0 and asking for the SADV Nurse On-Call, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Jill Colin, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at OSMH.

Robin Wanner, Manager of OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre.