The advice to find out more at KCC's sexual health web pages follows NHS England’s announcement that all women can now get the morning-after pill for free from the NHS at local pharmacies - no matter where they live.
This change is part of a major expansion of pharmacy services across the country. It means no woman has to visit their GP or sexual health clinic for emergency contraception, or have to pay to get it from a pharmacy.
Kent health leaders have welcomed this national move but want everyone to know there are local services to help look after your sexual health and reduce the chances anyone needs to rely on emergency contraception.
“We also want our residents to know that Kent has a network of sexual health clinics that offer sexual advice and support”
Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council Director of Public Health, said: “Changes that mean all women receive the same healthcare regardless of where they live, or their financial situation, and reduces pressure on GPs, are very welcome.
“We also want our residents to know that Kent has a network of sexual health clinics that offer sexual advice and support to help reduce the likelihood anyone has unplanned, unprotected sex, which can put you at higher risk of getting a STI.”
Kent has 10 sexual health clinics. An 11th is soon to open at the Dover Discovery Centre as part of ongoing efforts to expand local sexual health services. Many of the county’s pharmacies also offer sexual health advice and some treatments.
If you prefer to talk to someone you can call your local team in East Kent 0300 790 0245 or West Kent on 0300 373 0709 to book a phone appointment.
“...free screening kits can be delivered direct to your home, or nominated, address”
KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Diane Morton (RMN*), said: “NHS England’s move to make the morning-after pill freely available to all women is one of the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s.
“This is exactly what the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan is about – shifting more care into the community so people can get vital support more quickly and easily.
“But, we also want to use this opportunity to remind residents that having several partners, or unprotected sex, puts you at higher risk of getting an STI. It's also possible that you, or partners, may not have any symptoms but could still pass an infection on.
"As we are highlighting in our new sexual health awareness campaign launched this week, free screening kits can be delivered direct to your home, or nominated, address."
Visit our sexual health pages to find out more.
Notes to editors
* RMN - Registered Mental Health Nurse
