Bournemouth LINk News

June 2010

Press Release from NHS Bournemouth and Poole

You’re Welcome At The Junction

Local sexual health service, The Junction, has achieved the national ‘You’re Welcome’ accreditation for their service being ‘young people friendly’.

‘You’re Welcome’, a government backed initiative, is designed to improve health services for the under 20’s and some of the criteria include accessibility, confidentiality, the environment and staff training.

The clinic, situated in Springbourne and provided by NHS Bournemouth and Poole Community Health Services, opened earlier this year as a one stop shop for sexual health needs for under 25’s in the community.

Sue Meakin, Sexual Health Manager for Community Health Services, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this quality mark, especially for a service that has only been open a relatively short amount of time.  We listened to local people and subsequently provided a clinic that caters for all their sexual health needs in an environment in which they feel comfortable and are able to discuss confidential matters.

“Our staff are trained in communicating easily with young people and our opening hours have been increased to make us more accessible.  We can provide free condoms, advice on unintended conception, safer sex, pregnancy testing and screening for STIs including Chlamydia”.

NHS Bournemouth and Poole are hoping to get further services they commission accredited in the next few months.

Further information on the clinic can be found by visiting www.f-risky.co.uk

Further details on the Department of Health ‘You’re Welcome’ initiative can be found here