Sexual Health Clinic opens in Ballymena

With the rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancies on the rise throughout Northern Ireland, ‘The Clinic’ at NRC’s Trostan Avenue Campus in Ballymena, will provide free family planning and infection testing, for male and female students over 16 years old.

Backed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Public Health Agency, the Clinic is a unique and accessible service for students, offering family planning advice, testing and treatment in one facility.

Claire Galloway, Clinical Lead Nurse for Sexual Health from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, says the Clinic has the potential to dramatically improve the sexual health of young people in Northern Ireland.

“This clinic is specifically for young people but is being offered in a venue which means they can access services easily and if required students can be fast tracked into Mainstream services,” she said.

Joe Cromie, Student President at NRC, says the Clinic will provide a confidential space for young people to have their questions answered and alleviate their worries: “Many young people who are considering having sex for the first time, or who are concerned about STI’s, feel unable to talk about these issues with friends or family.

“It’s crucial that they know they can seek advice from qualified professionals. Due to their sensitive nature these issues are often ignored but the Clinic provides a safe and confidential place for students to discuss them.”

“It will be a valuable resource for students over the age of 16, who could potentially need the advice and help of the Clinic,” said Joe.

Margaret Gordon, Assistant Director at Northern Trust said, “We are very pleased to be able to work in partnership with the NRC on this project, and with funding from Public Health Agency we are able to offer this sexual health promoting service to the students at the College.”

Services at the Clinic will run one morning a week and will be managed by Dr Tara Farrington. Those students requiring treatment will receive it free at the Clinic.