New Sexual Health Services in Bedfordshire Launch on the 1st December 2009
Posted on: Monday, November 30, 2009
30th November 2009
Terrence Higgins Trust and Brook launch new sexual health and contraceptive clinics across Bedfordshire
On 1 December, Terrence Higgins Trust and Brook will be launching a new sexual health service in Bedfordshire. A number of clinics will run across the county offering sexual health information and advice, contraceptive services and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NHS Bedfordshire has commissioned Terrence Higgins Trust and Brook as a partnership to provide community based, accessible clinics for all Bedfordshire residents, with Brook clinics specifically for young people under 25.
Advice and access to a full range of contraceptive methods will be available including long-acting methods, emergency contraception and condoms, as well as pregnancy testing and referrals. There is no need for an appointment and those attending the drop in clinics will be able to pick up free condoms and sexual health information.
A variety of tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections will be available, including tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Results will be available within a week.
Jason Warriner, Clinical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “These clinics offer a whole range of services in a relaxed environment. Those aimed at over 25s tend to open in the evenings and at weekends so it’s as convenient as possible to come along and get tested for STIs or sort out your contraception.”
Nicky Thompson, Director of Service Development at Brook, said: “It’s fantastic that we are opening a whole new young people’s service across Bedfordshire providing sexual health advice and services specifically for young people in places and at times that are convenient for them. Brook will also be providing clinics in youth settings, in schools and in FE colleges, as well as specific work with boys and young men.”
Nicola Bell, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Bedfordshire, said: “We are delighted that this innovative new service will be available to residents across Bedfordshire from 1 December. We spent a lot of time meeting and talking to people of all ages about their sexual health needs. What they told us about where, when and how sexual health clinics should run has helped shape this new service. This includes bringing together sexual health and contraceptive services together in one place.”
Full details of the clinics are available on this website: For further information, call the Bedford clinic on 01234 761090 (Brook) or 01234 761080 (THT).
Ends
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Notes to editors
1. Brook helps young people to make informed, active choices about their personal and sexual relationships so they can enjoy their sexuality without harm. Brook is the UK’s leading provider of sexual health services and advice for all young people under 25 and provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and outreach and education work, reaching around 210,000 young people every year. Brook has 45 years of experience working with young people and currently has a network of services in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. www.brook.org.uk. Ask Brook helpline: 0808 802 1234.
2. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups. We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk
3. NHS Bedfordshire manages an annual budget of more than £550 million – all NHS money spent on health care in Bedfordshire. As leader of the NHS in Bedfordshire, the overall aim of NHS Bedfordshire is to secure a real improvement in the health of local people, deliver a better patient experience and reduce unfairness in health.
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