STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – A ribbon cutting was held Thursday to open a forensic examination room at the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center in Staunton.

This room is for child and adolescent patients who have experienced sexual assault. Tulsa O’Shea, a nurse practitioner for Augusta Health, said this is an alternative to the emergency room, which may not always be kid-friendly.

“It’s important to provide a room that’s more child-friendly so they’re calmer during the exam and it’s a better environment for them,” O’Shea said. “That can’t always happen in the emergency department because of its nature.”

O’Shea said the exam room will be operated by Augusta Health Legal Care Services.

“We have several nurses who specialize in trauma care for patients who are involved in trauma that was inflicted on them by someone else, whether it’s child abuse or sexual abuse or physical violence (such as) strangulation,” said O’Shea.

O’Shea said this is one of the biggest projects he has been a part of.

“Through this project, we’re going to help a lot of kids who need that help in the community,” O’Shea said.

O’Shea said the exam room saw its first patient in early 2024.

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