Sexual health clinic opens in Geelong’s North

BARWON Health has opened a new sexual health clinic in Geelong and is encouraging the community to keep up to date with their sexual health checks.

The new clinic will complement the services provided at the current clinic located at University Hospital Geelong.

Clinical nurse consultant Rochelle Hamilton said it is important to reduce stigma around sexually transmitted diseases to allow a more open conversation around testing, treatment and ultimately reducing the risk of transmission.

“We aim to ensure people feel comfortable accessing services related to their sexual health,” she said.

“Our team at the Barwon South West Public Health Unit and the Barwon Reproductive and Sexual Health clinic can support people across the region to manage their sexual health and wellbeing.”

The new sexual health clinic at Barwon Health North will also allow easier access to HIV support and testing.

Barwon Health infectious disease consultant Professor Eugene Athan said while people with HIV can now manage the disease with medication and a healthy lifestyle, it is important that those at risk get tested to ensure that they can get access to the latest treatments available.

“We now have medications and treatment that mean people with HIV can live a relatively normal life,” he said.

“However, without a diagnosis, patients are unable to start these treatments,” he said.

Access Barwon Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic, including HIV Services at University Hospital Geelong, Tuesdays 2pm to 6.30pm or Barwon Health North Thursdays 2pm to 7pm.

– ANGUS SMITH