Medical Services
In certain cases, a medical examination completes the process already undertaken by the counsellors or police investigators.
The medical examination is conducted at the Centre d'expertise Marie-Vincent by health officials, namely a pediatrician, and in some cases a clinical nurse, from the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children's Hospital.
The medical examination helps to reassure the parents and the child of his or her wellbeing.
The child will undergo a complete check-up. Special attention is paid to apparent symptoms directly related to child sexual abuse and to related fears expressed by the child as well as the parent(s).
The examination room is equipped with state of the art technology, thus facilitating the process. There will be no injections and no blood tests during the examination.
The respect and wellbeing of the child is a priority at all times here at the Centre.
The pediatrician, and in some cases the clinical nurse, will ask for the child's collaboration during the examination and will address his/her fears.
Aside from medical assistance, other professional services may be offered if needed.
The medical examination may generate some stress for some child. However, research shows that no short term negative effects are produced if the child is well prepared and the examination is carried out by an expert.
