Sexual Health
Sexual health services near you, including sexual health clinics, contraception services, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests and treatment
The Blackpool and Lancashire Sexual Health Service provide expert advice, guidance and treatment on all aspects of sexual health.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
Would you know where to go to for advice on sexual health or sexually transmitted infections?
Have you heard of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) – it offers all young people the chance to have a confidential free, test for Chlamydia
I see that you are under 25, Did you know that Chlamydia is the highest STI for your age range and it generally doesn’t display any symptoms so you may not be aware that you have an infection?
Assist
Would you like me to provide you with some information on how to get tested and the benefits?
While patients are highly accepting of being offered a screen, they have reported that it was very important that they did not have to ask. Many patients mentioned how helpful they would find it to have information clearly available in the practice stating the sexual health services are on offer, as they were unaware that they could have those services there.
Patients have a highly pragmatic response to a routine offer. They felt it was a sensible way of addressing their sexual health.
This question may be promoted from some verbal or visual prompts i.e. Posters or information displayed about the NCSP or they mentioned they are going on a “night out”.
It’s important that they feel this is a routine offer based on their age group only
“The patient doesn’t have to raise it with the doctor, the doctor should raise it with you. It should just be a standard thing. Then you know you’re not being singled out” (Male aged 22)
Inform them that the test:
- is easy
- services are young people friendly
- confidential
- treatment is free
Act
Self Care
- For information about sexual health and contraception visit Lancashire sexual health or the sexual health pages of www.nhs.uk
- You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
- Posters and leaflets can be ordered through the NCSP website or more information can be found via NHS choices