West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has welcomed the official launch of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Sandyford Renfrewshire and hopes this new service reduces the worrying rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) The new service aims to deliver sexual and reproductive healthcare to thousands of people in their own communities.
The new facility brings together a number of services for men, women and young people under one roof in the area for the first time. Care and support for Sexually Transmitted Infections, pregnancy testing, and a number of other specialist service are just some of the expert provision available. Scotland has a rising rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and figures show that in 2007 453new cases of HIV were identified in Scotland the highest annual total of new cases since recording began in 1984.
"I welcome the launch of the new Sandyford Clinic in Renfrewshire; the need to improve sexual health in the West of Scotland could not be any more dire.
"The increase in the rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections and new cases of HIV identified are genuinely worrying statistics. More must be done to educate people and raise sexual health awareness across all age groups.
"The Sandyford Renfrewshire offers free confidential walk in sexual health services for men, women and young people. Hopefully schemes such as this will prove effective in educating people on the importance of Sexual Health.
Dedicated clinics for women, men and young people will be available to local people on both a scheduled and drop-in basis. Free condoms and lubricant, contraception, emergency contraception, specialist menopause and gynaecology clinics and youth priority service are also provided. Interpreting services can be provided for speakers of a variety of languages if necessary.
For more Information contact Ruth Henry Communication and Public Involvement Manager 0141 232 8417 or Rosie Llet on 0141 232 8426
