Linz university hospital to expand violence clinic after care allegations

The Kepler University Hospital in Linz plans to expand its violence clinic after a transgender woman alleged she received inadequate care following a suspected rape, ORF reported.

According to allegations published by the online magazine Moment.at, the woman went first to the Barmherzige Brüder hospital in May and was then referred via the Elisabethinen hospital to the Kepler University Hospital clinic. She allegedly received no medication there despite cramps and epileptic seizures, while injuries were documented in the urology department.

KUK chief executive Meinhard Lukas said the patient had received medical care. He said delays in treatment could occur at a hospital dealing with several emergencies. “The claim that the transgender person was abandoned at the Kepler University Hospital is simply and unequivocally false,” Lukas said.

He also acknowledged that procedures should be improved. The clinic has operated in its current form since January, but the woman arrived on a Wednesday, when it is currently closed. Its opening hours will therefore be extended, although the hospital does not plan to keep it open around the clock.

The clinic’s main role is forensic examination and the collection of evidence. Medical treatment for victims must be available around the clock throughout the hospital, independently of the clinic.

Lukas said the term “violence clinic” could create the expectation that victims of violence would receive immediate care there at any time. The hospital is therefore considering renaming the facility, although no new name has been chosen.

The KUK also plans to provide more staff for the clinic and further strengthen its forensic expertise. The aim is to improve the proper documentation of injuries and the preservation of evidence.

When a victim arrives, a forensic nurse initially conducts the intake, discusses what happened with the person and brings in specialist doctors depending on the injuries. Evidence collection begins at this stage, including photographs and examinations for injuries such as marks around the neck. The injuries are documented and the records retained for possible court proceedings.

The KUK has provided care for victims of violence throughout the hospital since 2008. Almost 600 victims were recorded there last year. The hospital also trains staff in dealing with victims of violence and works with the Violence Protection Centre on this issue.