A NEW integrated service providing sexual health advice, contraception and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections for people of all ages has been launched in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Council has awarded the contract for the provision of a new Integrated Sexual Health Service – called YorSexualHealth – to York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust will provide locally-based services which will be accessed through a central booking system, and will be working in partnership with GP practices.

The new service will also provide support for people living with HIV and their carers and outreach in community venues working with identified groups at risk of poor sexual health.

“This new service will offer many benefits to clients and health professionals alike” said County Council Don Mackenzie, outgoing portfolio holder for public health and prevention.

“It will offer improved access to services throughout North Yorkshire, including the introduction of ‘one stop shops’ which means that, in most cases, people will be able to have all their sexual health needs met from one clinic. The new service will also provide dedicated training and support to professionals throughout the local sexual health system.”

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of Public Health for North Yorkshire, said: “York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is already highly experienced in delivering sexual health services across North Yorkshire, and will use their knowledge and experience to provide a high quality service.”

The new service started this week and replaces all sexual health service provision commissioned by North Yorkshire County Council previously provided through nine different contracts.

Sexual health clinics will be available Monday to Friday, with some clinics also available on Saturdays. People will also be able to access a range of advice and support online and from “virtual clinics”.

People can contact the service for advice or to make an appointment by phoning 01904 721111 and access further information about the service online at yorsexualhealth.org.uk