A new approach to improving access to sexual and reproductive health services in Liverpool has been launched.
Liverpool’s sexual health services for people of all ages and needs are now more joined-up than ever before, following a process of partner workshops and resident engagement. The changes will mean users will see improvements in testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception.
At the heart of the strategy, which will be in place from 2024-2030 is a focus on reducing the inequalities in sexual and reproductive health across communities, and removing any barriers which are preventing people accessing services.
By 2030, it is hoped that there will be:
- No rise in the number of STI diagnoses in Liverpool
- Increased screening of young people
- A broader range of services at Women’s Health Hubs, with improved access to contraception, screening and vaccination
- Improved cervical screening coverage to meet the national NHS Cervical Screening Programme target
- A reduction in the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV to zero, and in doing so, be the first city to eliminate all new cases
- Increased number and availability of HIV tests across the city
Embedded in the strategy is a commitment to high-quality research and innovation to continue to gather the evidence about how best to improve sexual health and well-being to inform plans and services.
The document can be downloaded from the council’s website.
Services & Support in Liverpool
Axess Sexual Health
Residents can order testing online or book an appointment.
https://www.axess.clinic/
Young Persons’ dedicated clinic – ‘Axess 4 U’
https://www.axess.clinic/services/axess-4-u/
Liverpool PaSH (Passionate about Sexual Health)
This service launched in September 2022 and is a charity-led partnership between BHA, George House Trust and LGBT Foundation, which exists to challenge and address health inequalities and support people to improve their sexual health and wellbeing.
https://www.lpash.org.uk/
Sahir House
A service with a passion to deliver provision that will guarantee better sexual health and wellness for all and serve the needs of LGBTQ+ people across Merseyside.
https://sahir.org.uk/
Primary Care Network – Women’s Health Hubs/LARC provision
For access to contraception and screening, residents can also register with your local GP practice (or Women’s Hub) – eg. Central PCN Hub and be supported around testing and preferred method of contraception.
There are multiple sites around the city (GPs in Primary Care Networks) that can provide contraception and support.
There is also an extensive pharmacy offer (on the Axess website) – where routine methods of contraception are available, alongside Emergency Contraception (EC) and STI testing (and treatment for chlamydia).
https://clpcn.co.uk/larc/
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said: “This strategy has been shaped by partners across the system and shows ambitious intent in improving the sexual and reproductive health of all residents across our city.
“The strategy will support residents across our communities to feel empowered, supported and encouraged to look after their own sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing and lead happy, healthy sex lives”.
Director of Public Health Matthew Ashton said: “We are proud of the progress we have made in sexual health services over recent years.
“We have redesigned our services to make contraception, and STI and HIV testing more accessible. People can now also order tests online to do at home. We know there is more to do. This strategy sets out an ambitious vision to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the inequalities in outcomes across key population groups.
“We have a rich history of delivering bold public health interventions, and once again we will be looking to lead the charge locally and nationally”.
James Woolgar, Sexual Health and HIV commissioning lead and Chair of Liverpool SRH strategy group said: “We wish to extend a big thank you to everyone who worked with us to develop our plans and produce this important vision and piece of work.
“Achieving good sexual health and wellbeing is complex and so we need a system-wide approach, and buy in, to make an impact.
“We now aim to deliver the key actions within the strategy and hope to continue to improve outcomes for residents across this great city”.
