SARC could be in Cobham in nine months time

Inspector Craig Jones, development manager for the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Sarc), a safe location where victims of rape and serious sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling spoke at the Friends of Cobham Cottage Hospital's annual general meeting.

Cobham Cottage Hospital, in Portsmouth Road, has been suggested as an ideal spot to locate the centre by Surrey Primary Care Trust and Surrey Police.

It will be used to provide forensic medicals, counselling, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and a direct interview pathway. It will be provided for the whole of surrey.

Inspector Jones said: "We have been speaking to the NHS since February about a Sarc which is known as a one stop facility for victims.

"There are substantial figures to prove that the number of victims justify the need for a Sarc in Surrey. Other police force areas have Sarcs so we are behind.

"We on average anticipate 200 adults and 50 children per annum to the centre. We anticipate starting work on centre within six to nine months time."

Acting Chair Howard MacDonald said: "We fully support this and feel we have a moral obligation to be more involved.

"We have the funds, which have frequently been offered but refused by the hospital."

The Sarc will also in the future have it's own children's unit which The Friends have agreed to help kit out.

After the meeting Ken Purssey, committee member said: "I am aware some residents are concerned about the centre but where were they? The turn-out of this year's annual general meeting was appalling."

Councillors David Tipping, Jan Fuller, John Butcher and Maria Odone, attended the meeting and so did Ian Taylor MP.

Former chairwoman Louise Staples stepped down from her position after 26 years and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Jan Fuller on behalf of the committee. Mrs Staples has become group president.