Hertfordshire residents benefit from state-of-the-art sexual health clinic in Watford

This week, national HIV testing week, saw the official opening of the new Watford sexual health clinic. Marking the occasion, Councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism & Libraries, Hertfordshire County Council said, "I am delighted to be part of the launch of this valuable service, which will make sexual health services in Watford even more accessible to our residents."

In 2013, there were 5,776 diagnoses of STIs in Hertfordshire residents aged under 25 among and 8% of the population aged 15-24 years tested positive for chlamydia. In 2015 there were 1,111 people aged 15-59 living with diagnosed HIV in Hertfordshire, however 2014 estimates suggest that 17 per cent of those living with HIV are unaware of their infection.  This means they risk having poorer health and could also pass the infection on to someone else. 

Getting a simple test could keep you and your loved ones safe.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill who got tested on the day for HIV to help emphasise the importance of getting checked and staying safe said, "As a patron of HertsAid I know how important clinics like this are in diagnosing and treating HIV and supporting patients. This new facility situated at the Town Hall is easy to access and offers a wide range of services, treatment and advice in a confidential environment."

The opening was also attended by partners from the Hertfordshire Council Public Health Team, local voluntary sector partners, and CLCH's Chief Executive Andrew Ridley, as well as Trust Chair Angela Greatley who added, "We're here today in Watford but it is very important to remember that the Hertfordshire Sexual Health service runs from 16 clinics across the county with over 100 staff. We are passionate about delivering a high quality, accessible sexual health service. We deliver services that can be accessed in the evening and at weekends and additionally through outreach clinics. The team here at Watford sees 1250 people every month and is one of our most popular clinics. The service is thought very well thought of having been 'highly commended' in our team of the year category in the 2016 staff awards."

Our team of highly trained specialist staff offer sexual health (screening, HIV), contraception, psychosexual therapy, outreach and short-term treatment to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure.  We offer both walk-in and appointment only clinics.  Some of our clinics are specifically for under-25s. We offer all our clients a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment to be able to seek the help they need.

Sexual Health Hertfordshire services and clinic locations are available athttp://sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk/.  You can also follow them on Twitter @HertsSexualHlth

(In the pic from left to right: Councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism & Libraries, Hertfordshire County Council; Angela Greatley, CLCH Trust Chair; Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford; Andrew Ridley, CEO, CLCH)