Sexual health clinic praised for being ‘young people friendly’
The Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic run by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been given special recognition for making its services ‘young people friendly’.
The clinic, based at Grove Road in Norwich, offers a range of confidential services including offering all methods of contraception and counselling about unwanted pregnancy and sexual health problems.
The clinic has been presented with the ‘You’re Welcome’ award, a National Quality Accreditation Scheme from the Department of Health which shows that services have been assessed as ‘young people friendly’ and of a high standard. In order to achieve accreditation, health services must show that young patients feel listened to and that their needs and interests have been taken into consideration.
On Thursday 13th June, NNUH Chief Executive Anna Dugdale will present the certificate to colleagues at the clinic.
The clinic decided to undertake a self-assessment to work through the You're Welcome quality criteria. The sexual health promotion unit attended the clinic and gave training to the clinic’s receptionists and front line staff. The clinic was assessed by the Norfolk 'You’re Welcome' Steering Group and received the accreditation in March.
Dr Catherine Schunmann, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health, said: “It’s absolutely essential that young people see us as accessible and approachable. The training made us think about how we do things, and we’ve objectively looked at how we respond to our patients’ needs. It’s important that our patients feel comfortable talking to us about their health care needs, especially when they are feeling vulnerable and sensitive.”
Director of Women’s, Children’s and Cancer Services, Jo Segasby, said: “I’m thrilled the team has been presented with this award. It shows they are focused on delivering patient-friendly care and that they take young peoples’ needs into account and this award demonstrates we’re achieving that.”