Choices moving to new premises in expansion
GUERNSEY’S sexual health clinic, Choices, is moving premises next week which will allow it to expand its services.
The charity which has been based in Le Pollet, will be based at 13, North Plantation, opposite the Guernsey Information Centre, from Tuesday.
‘The current building is a small premises and there is not much room for expansion,’ said manager Fiona Hardy,
‘Our lease was close to expiring and when we saw that the new property was available we were so excited as it is already converted to a clinical setting.’
The building was previously occupied by First Contact Health and it is hoped that the nature of the setting will allow a smooth transition for Choices.
The clinic is currently closed while the move takes place.
One of the main criteria for the charity was to remain in central St Peter Port to be accessible to as many people as possible.
The new building will also have inclusive access for all.
‘We are pleased that we have found a central location which is discreet and off the main high street and we hope that this will provide young people with reassurance to seek sexual health advice,’ she said.
‘The new premises will give us the scope to increase the services we provide and allow us innovative ways of working.’
The clinic remained open throughout the entirety of the pandemic and provided telephone consultations for patients to continue their preferred methods of contraception.
Mrs Hardy said that like many businesses, the charity was not 100% back to normal, and follows trends in the community, so has experienced some patient cancellations and has had a few quiet months due to Covid cases.
Pursuing over-the-phone consultations and easier access to collect prescriptions allowed islanders to continue to take care of their sexual health during the pandemic.
