Sexual Health
Where To Get Help And Advice
The Harrison department runs two clinics, one in Oxford and one in Banbury. They are able to provide confidential advice and treatment on sexual health matters including HIV and AIDS.
The service has strong links with gynaecology, urology, and the infectious disease unit at the John Radcliffe hospital, as well as the family planning service run by Oxfordshire PCT.
Find out more about the department and sexual health at the Sexual Health website
Support For People Living With HIV
Oxfordshire's community support team is working on joint projects with other services such as the Terrence Higgins Trust to help people to overcome the isolation that some people with HIV feel.
The support workers offer both emotional and practical support and they can accompany people to their hospital appointments for moral support. They are also able to visit people in hospital and their own homes. Their overall role is to help people living with HIV to access and use health services and to keep them informed of issues related to their health. The workers also offer support around accessing other services such as housing, immigration, Social Services and other HIV organizations. Most referral come from NHS staff who are working with HIV positive patients or from the Terrence Higgins Trust, but sometimes the person themselves will make the initial contact.
Although there is still no cure or vaccine for HIV, the key is to diagnose the disease early so treatment can begin and the risk of passing on HIV can be kept to a minimum.
Specialist HIV treatment and care is provided in the city through local GP surgeries, the Harrison department, and at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals.
Worried about HIV? Would you like to talk to someone about it?
Terrence Higgins Trust Direct Helpline can give you HIV information, advice and support over the phone. Why not call now for peace of mind? We're open 10am - 10pm Monday - Friday, and 12 noon - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. www.tht.org.uk (external link) 0845 1221 200
Don't dismiss Chlamydia!
We are seeing an explosion in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from syphilis to the less well-known infections like chlamydia. This disease can be especially dangerous if not detected, leading to infertility. The number of chlamydia cases diagnosed in sexual health clinics in Oxford and Banbury has doubled in recent years. Nationally, around 90,000 cases were diagnosed in clinics in England and Wales in 2003, with the highest rates detected among young people.
Locally, Oxfordshire PCT's public health team is trying to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections, and encourage young people to try less risky behaviour. We talk to young people in schools, distribute free condoms and work with voluntary organisations to target the groups most at risk.
Contraception and Sexual Health
The Oxfordshire Contraception and Sexual Health (C&SH) service is provided from nine clinics across the county - the main Alec Turnbull Centre in Oxford (ATC) plus satellite clinics in Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Thames, Kidlington, Wantage and Witney. The family planning service offers contraceptive advice and supplies and time to talk, particularly around sensitive issues like pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, 17 Bodyzone clinics based in schools and youth clubs are run as part of a young people's advisory service.
See Local Services: Contraception & Sexual Health for more information.