New ‘one stop shop’ for sexual health services

Nye Bevan House

Nye Bevan House in Rochdale town centre is set to become a ‘one stop shop’ for all sexual health and contraception services in the borough.

Clinics currently located at Rochdale Infirmary and community clinics at Croft Shifa Health Centre (except one) will move out on 16 May and join together at Nye Bevan House on Maclure Road - a discreet location that is easily accessible via public transport.

This new central ‘hub’ will offer people access to all contraception and sexual health advice, assessment, diagnosis and treatment, including HIV care, under one roof.

Plans are being progressed to establish a new Saturday clinic at the centre, meaning people will be able access support six days a week, including some evening clinics.

A range of clinics will also continue to be delivered across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

A new central telephone number will be available from 16 May. The number will be 01706 676 460 (this will not be manned prior to the move date).

Hospital and community sexual health professionals have been jointly delivering some clinics for several months, as part of the new Rochdale Borough Sexual Health and Contraception Service. This launched in December 2014.

This free and confidential service is for people of all ages, with a dedicated element for young people aged up to 20 years (25 years for RU Clear screening).

Vivien Thompson, Service Manager, said: “The co-location of hospital and community sexual health services is an exciting development that will deliver some real improvements for local people, including joined up care, easy access and care closer to home for many people.

“Hospital and community staff have already been working together for several months and are positive about the benefits it is delivering.

“This is a great example of NHS Trusts successfully working in partnership to improve services.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we will be asking our clients for feedback to ensure this new service continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Andrea Dutton, Public Health Commissioner for Sexual Health Services at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “With the partnership between Pennine Care and Pennine Acute to provide joined-up sexual health services across the borough, residents will now have access to sexual health services in each township.

“The integrated service will provide contraception, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and a dedicated service for young people.

“This means residents will benefit from more efficient and effective services closer to where they live.”