Videos and photographs of cervical exams will soon be possible at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with the introduction of a new coloposcope.

Brought in chiefly for sexual assault cases, the coloposcope is the main piece of medical equipment Bermuda's sexual assault response team have been waiting for to complete their purpose-built facility in the hospital. But the new machinery can also help detect cancer cells and its use will not be limited to sexual assault victims.

Someone will be brought in from overseas to install it.

The coloposcope is widely used by gynaecologists to magnify the cervical area for examinations but the new one at KEMH will also allow doctors to be able to take photographs and videos of the area.

Doctors and nurses signed onto the sexual assault response team will receive special in-house training to operate the device.

The sexual assault response team are brought into action as soon as a sexual assault is reported. Composed of a representative from the Women's Resource Centre, a doctor and nurse examiner from the hospital, and a Police representative, the aim of the team is to respond more fully to the needs of sexually abused victims.

The necessity for such a group became evident when The Royal Gazette brought to light inadequacies in the previous system. In particular the case of two sexual assault victims who could not be tended to after an attack because the only forensic doctor on the hospital staff was overseas.

Other incidents also spawned the team's formation. These include abused women having to wait in the hospital's emergency department for hours before being seen, only to be directed to go home, not bathe and return in the morning when a doctor would be available.

Last December, 22 local nurses and doctors completed special training with US expert, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programme Coordinator, Kathy Bell, who works for the Tulsa Police Department.

Sharon Apopa director of counselling for the Women's Resource Centre noted that a long term aim of the team was to broaden the duties of the nurse examiner. "Right now the nurse examiner goes out with the doctor to complete exams,'' she said, "but our long term goal is that the nurse examiner will be able to do it by herself.'' "Since June we have been following up with the victims in terms of their physical and psychological care.'' Mrs. Apopa noted, "And one new feature is that follow up at the Victoria Street clinic will now be available to all victims free of charge.

"Previously victims had to see their private doctor and pay for treatment.'' she added. While it was hoped that the purpose-built room at KEMH would have been ready in January, the team are very optimistic that they will be able to operate there soon.

The inclusion of a bathroom and shower facility is a feature organisers are very excited and proud about. Described as "a cool and quiet area'' organisers say they recognised the need for comfort in its design. All victims will be given `a comfort bag' which will have special bath and cosmetic amenities donated by local shops.

An information packet on medical care, counselling and legal advice will also be handed out.