Health services now provided from single Rotherham base

ROTHERHAM health offficials kicked off April by launching two “streamlined” services.
Rotherham HospitalRotherham Hospital
Rotherham Hospital

Sexual health services in Rotherham are now being provided from one base instead of two, and a new integrated youth health service is now underway.

Previously, contraception, testing and treatment were offered at Rotherham Hospital and Rotherham Community Health Centre in Greasbrough Road near the town centre.

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But all services have now been brought together at the hospital, with some offered on an outreach basis at community centres and other venues around the borough when needed.

The service provides confidential advice, testing and free treatment of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, as well as a full range of contraception. 

Dr Nadi Gupta, lead consultant for Rotherham Integrated Sexual Health Services explains: “Services were delivered over two sites so patients were travelling between them for appointments. 

“We talked to patients and colleagues about the way forward and as a result we decided to move the services together at the hospital and operate a seven-day service. 

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“There will also be community based youth clinics including some based in the town centre. 

“We will be working in partnership with Yorkshire MESMAC, a multi-award winning sexual health charity, to enable us to optimise engagement with vulnerable people in the community. 

“With these changes we can offer a more comprehensive service to people in Rotherham.”

You can find the new centralised department on level C at the hospital from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm on Friday, 10am to 2pm on Saturday and 11am to 2pm on Sunday.

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Community based youth clinics can be found at the following venues at these times:

  • Wath Comprehensive School: Monday 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
  • JADE youth centre, Dinnington: Monday 3pm to 5pm.
  • Dearne Valley College: Tuesday 11.45am to 1.30pm.
  • Sexwise, Eric Manns Building: Tuesday 3pm to 5pm.
  • Swinton Comprehensive School: Wednesday 3pm to 5pm.
  • Rawmarsh Community School: Thursday 3pm to 5pm.
  • Maltby Linx Youth Centre: Thursday 3pm to 5pm.

For further information or to book an appointment contact 01709 427777 or visit http://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/sexualhealth/.

Meanwhile, the treatment and guidance offered nurses and health visitors have been amalgamated into a new streamlined service to help families access one-stop healthcare.

The Rotherham 0-19 Integrated Public Health Nursing Service — also known simply as The 0-19 service — combines previously separate services such as school nursing, health visiting and oral health promotion.

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The aim is for families and children to access a seamless service, meeting just one health worker instead of many.

The change, which came into force on Saturday, April 1, follows consultation with patients and families.

The service will have a dedicated Facebook page to keep the public updated and a week of events is planned in May to promote the new service, with an official launch to follow in May.

To find out more, visit www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/0-19.