There are a number of different people who work at The Bridge.
Everyone you will meet is highly trained and experienced in looking after individuals who have experienced rape or sexual assault. We are here for you.
The Bridge is expertly led by: Nicola Shannon, SARC Service Manager, Dr Michelle Cutland, Clinical Director (Paediatric Service) & Consultant Paediatrician and Dr Sandra Ives, Clinical Director (Adult Service).
Our Crisis Workers are here to provide immediate support 24/7, 365 days a year, to anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault.
If you contact us via the telephone or attend The Bridge in person, the first person you will speak to or meet will be a Crisis Worker.
The Crisis Worker will listen to you, explain your options and discuss what support they can arrange for you.
If you come to The Bridge for a forensic medical examination, the Crisis Worker will support you whilst you are here. They will provide emotional support and advocacy, ensuring that when you leave The Bridge, any necessary support is in place.
If you would like to find out more about our Crisis Workers, click here.
If you attend The Bridge, you may meet one of our Forensic Nurse Examiners or Doctors.
All of the Nurses & Doctors at The Bridge are specially trained in caring for people who have experienced rape or sexual assault.
They will be able to discuss your options, answer any questions and address any of your worries.
They will provide care and support to meet your immediate health and wellbeing needs. They will also be able to look for and collect evidence, that can assist a police investigation, if you choose to go ahead with a forensic medical examination.
If you choose to have a medical examination, the Doctor or Nurse will explain exactly what to expect and will ensure that you are kept in control every step of the way. Nothing will happen unless you give consent and feel comfortable to go ahead.
To find out more about what a medical examination involves, click here.
If you are aged 17 or under, you may meet one of our specially trained Children & Young Persons’ Doctors or Nurses.
They are specially trained in caring for children and young people of all ages.
They will be able to answer any questions, discuss your options and address any of your worries.
If you choose to have a medical examination, they will make sure you know exactly what to expect and keep you in control, every step of the way.
They will be able to provide care and support to meet your health needs. They will also make sure that you have support for when you leave The Bridge.
To find out more about what a paediatric medical examination involves, click here.
To read more about the recruitment, training and qualifications of our staff, click here.
Your choicesYou can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body, if you feel able to wait until after an examination.
*Forensic timescales vary (this means that for different types of assault, there are different lengths of time that we can look for DNA evidence, ring The Bridge on 0117 342 6999 to discuss how we can help you and your situation).
You can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body if you feel able to wait until after an examination.
*Forensic timescales vary (this means that for different types of assault, there are different lengths of time that we can look for DNA evidence, ring The Bridge on 0117 342 6999 to discuss how we can help you and your situation).
All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming, and very kind. I was supported from the very first contact, and overall, could not have gone through the past few years without this wonderful service. A major asset to our NHS service, and one that I hope is able to reach as many individuals as need it.