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Police in the Western Bay of Plenty are appealing for more doctors to help victims of sexual assault.
The call follows nationwide concerns about a shortage of GPs willing to go on call to examine rape complainants after-hours.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner of Tauranga says there have been five reported cases since Christmas and local support services are finding it difficult to cope.
He said there is only one doctor in the Western Bay area trained to carry out examinations and it is putting a huge workload on her.
Mr Turner hopes other doctors in the region will come forward to help.
- NEWSTALK ZB
