Improving sexual health in Sefton

ISIS_taxi_door Mercedes_ISIS ISIS_Hollyoaks_group_of_three

 NHS Sefton and Hollyoaks actors joined forces to launch a new sexual health service for all borough residents.

The new service is called ISIS – Improving Sexual Health in Sefton - and while it offers even better services for all ages, it will also work hard to tackle a range of issues affecting Sefton’s young people.

The ISIS launch was supported by Hollyoaks actors Jennifer Metcalfe and Glen Wallace. Their onscreen characters Mercedes McQueen and Malachy Fisher are married on the show, and have been involved in several sexual health stories.

Margaret Jones, Public Health Consultant at NHS Sefton who contributed to the commissioning the new sexual health service, ISIS , said:

  “We still have unacceptably high levels of poor sexual health in Sefton evident by the rising levels of sexually transmitted illnesses ( STIs ). This is why the new ISIS service is crucially important to Sefton . As well as providing treatment and screening for STIs , ISIS will also provide advice on a range of issues, including contraception, to help Sefton residents stay in the best of sexual health.     

“A key feature of the ISIS service will be its accessibility, with ten clinics across the borough groundbreaking new services such as men-only clinics in Southport and Bootle and an exclusive service for the under 25s age group only.”

Previously, access to sexual health services in Sefton has meant that patients had to either access the ( Genito -Urinary Medicine) clinics at Southport and Formby Hospital or travel further afield to the Royal Liverpool Hospital . The ten new ISIS clinics are placed close to residential areas and places of work and will be open at times to suit everyone.  

Ms Jones added: “Accessibility to services was a real issue in the past but now ISIS will start to down these barriers, with clinics and contact points throughout Sefton in many different settings.

“This, along with later opening times until 7pm and 8pm, will help ensure the right information is easy to find.

  “ Poor sexual health can lead to serious health problems such as infertility and poor mental health and wellbeing so putting off a visit to your clinic is just not worth the complications further down the line.”

Dr Paula Briggs, Clinical Director for ISIS , commented: “All our sexual health staff are able to provide the same quality of service making the patients journey as straight forward and easy as possible”

For more information on the service call 0151 922 5876 or visit: www.isis-sefton.co.uk .

 

 


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