Choices expands service offering as lockdown eases
THE Choices clinic is able to provide more face-to-face appointments and some procedures in stage two of the exit from lockdown in support of islanders’ reproductive and sexual health.
It has been operating a reduced service since lockdown began by appointment only from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
To reduce the number of patients attending the clinic, medical staff had undertaken telephone consultations and, where possible, issued repeat supplies of contraceptives. But all procedures were cancelled.
Service clinic manager and nurse Fiona Hardy said since the move to stage two they had begun to resume a number of services, such as more face-to-face appointments and some procedures.
‘It has been vital not to reduce services to too great an extent during the pandemic as this will result in a negative impact on the reproductive and sexual health of large numbers of individuals,’ she said.
‘It may also lead to acute presentations to other emergency settings and would place unnecessary future strain on maternity and abortion services.’
Procedures that are now able to take place include contraceptive implant fittings, removals and refits, sexually transmitted infection testing, and cervical screening for those women who are eligible.
‘Patients will naturally feel anxious entering a medical environment, but should be reassured that Choices are following all the recommendations from Public Health including enhanced cleaning and the use of PPE,’ added Ms Hardy.
During stage two, appointments continue to be required to attend a consultation or procedure and all walk in and wait services have been suspended.
This is to allow staff to manage patient numbers within the clinic adequately and practise social distancing.
‘Choices is committed to ensuring that the highest standards of care in reproductive and sexual health are maintained throughout the duration of any Covid-19 outbreak,’ said Ms Hardy.
‘It is imperative that women of all ages can access effective contraception in a timely way, thereby avoiding unplanned pregnancies.
‘Consideration is also given to the provision of care to individuals at risk of STIs and diagnosed with STIs.’