PCT to set up sexual health clinics in secondary schools
Joe Lepper
Friday, February 5, 2010
Sexual health clinics are to be set up in secondary schools in Liverpool as part of an expansion of school-based health services across Merseyside.
Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) has confirmed that talks are to take place with schools in the city to set up sexual health clinics on site and that involvement will be on a voluntary basis.
A statement from the PCT says that the pilot is in its "infancy" and is seen as vital to target the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach young people who do not normally access health services.
"It aims to improve young people's access to sexual health education and support in non-traditional settings, which are regularly and readily accessed by young people," the statement adds.
Meanwhile, in nearby Wirral a health clinic project launched in 13 secondary schools last year is to be expanded to cover all 29 secondary schools.
NHS Wirral says the clinics include sexual health support as well as advice on issues such as mental health and quitting smoking.
Gordon Fair, lead consultant on the project, said: "Initial indications have shown that health services in school teams are providing early identification on a range of potential health-related issues.
"We have found that many young people are being helped and guided on issues including smoking, alcohol use and associated risk-taking behaviours."
