Student sexual health clinic launched at Jordanstown campus

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust this week launched the first ever sexual health clinic based on Ulster University's Jordanstown campus.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2016, 10:11 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2016, 11:16 BST
Launching the service are Janice Armstrong, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer, PHA; Norma Patterson, Student Health and Wellbeing Advisory Services manager, Ulster University; Sharon Bingham, Senior Health Improvement officer, Northern Trust; Angela Denvir, Health Improvement manager, Northern Trust and Claire Galloway, Clinical Lead Nurse for Sexual Health Services, Northern Trust. INCR 36-755-CONLaunching the service are Janice Armstrong, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer, PHA; Norma Patterson, Student Health and Wellbeing Advisory Services manager, Ulster University; Sharon Bingham, Senior Health Improvement officer, Northern Trust; Angela Denvir, Health Improvement manager, Northern Trust and Claire Galloway, Clinical Lead Nurse for Sexual Health Services, Northern Trust. INCR 36-755-CON
Launching the service are Janice Armstrong, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer, PHA; Norma Patterson, Student Health and Wellbeing Advisory Services manager, Ulster University; Sharon Bingham, Senior Health Improvement officer, Northern Trust; Angela Denvir, Health Improvement manager, Northern Trust and Claire Galloway, Clinical Lead Nurse for Sexual Health Services, Northern Trust. INCR 36-755-CON

In partnership with the university, and funded by the Public Health Agency, the clinic will provide free services including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatments and family planning advice.

With rates of STIs in Northern Ireland on the increase and high unplanned pregnancy rates, the clinic is being provided to improve young people’s knowledge.

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Feedback has indicated that many students do not access sexual health services through the more traditional routes, so it has been established to provide easily accessible advice. Led by a specialist doctor and senior sexual health nurse, clinics will run on both Coleraine and Jordanstown campuses in confidential facilities.

Jean McMinn, head of Student Support at the university, commented: “Many young people who are considering having sex for the first time, or who are concerned about STIs, feel unable to talk about these issues with friends or family so it is crucial that they know they can seek advice from qualified professionals.

“These issues are often ignored due to their sensitive nature but the clinic provides a safe and confidential place for students to discuss them.”

The Jordanstown clinic will be open every Tuesday from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

Related topics:Northern Health and Social Care TrustNorthern Ireland