TXT UR DOCTOR
27/03/2006

Dr Olive Buckley from the Scotch Quarter Practice in Carrickfergus provides health promotion advice, including sexual health promotion advice, in the specially furbished Caring Room in the practice.

Young people in Carrickfergus registered with the Scotch Quarter GP Practice are able to text the practice for health advice, including advice on sexual health promotion.

The innovation is a part of the Sexual Health Promotion Clinic established in the practice with the aim to promote safer sex messages and reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies in the area.

“Family planning and Genito-Urinary Clinics in Northern Ireland are overwhelmed by the numbers attending, resulting in lengthy waiting lists to see specialists,”

Explained Dr Olive Buckley, GP Scotch Quarter,

“The clinic, which has been established especially for young people and vulnerable adults registered with the Scotch Quarter GP Practice, offers a more realistic and accessible choice for clients from the area wishing to avail of the sexual health services”

The clinic particularly targets the under 20’s, vulnerable and at-risk adults and substance mis-users; the groups at greatest risk of pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases.

The clinic has been funded by the East Antrim Local Health and Social Care Group (LHSCG), a committee of the Northern Health and Social Services Board.

Tracy Kennedy, Manager of the East Antrim Group spoke of how the funding has been utilised:

“The finding made available by the LHSCG has allowed for the refurbishment of a room in the practice for counselling sessions. This is now referred to as the Caring Room.

Funding has also allowed for the development of a Specialist Interest Clerical Officer (SICO) in Sexual Health and specialised training for all staff and nurses involved in the service. As GPs are often the first port of call for advice, practice nurses are in the ideal position to engage in health promotion, including issues relating to sexual health.”

The practice will provide sexual health information for young people attending and vulnerable adults attending the practice, including referral information for other sexual health services and voluntary organisations. Staff will be able to screen for and detect Sexually Transmitted Diseases as well as provide and advise on contraceptives.

Linda Patton, Chair of East Antrim LHSCG said:

“The LHSCG is very pleased to be able to support this project, we believe that as the services are young people friendly, non judgemental and confidential, people are more likely to use them.”

The clinic will run in the Scotch Quarter Practice for two sessions per week, with capacity to see 10-15 people per session. For further information, please text Dr Olive Buckley on 0770 855 0704.