Area's sexual health clinics run reduced service due to staff shortages

Previously, service users had the ability to attend a clinic within the area three days per week, however, Sandyford West Dunbartonshire at the Vale of Leven Hospital and Sandyford Clydebank at Clydebank Health Centre, now just run one clinic each per week.

The clinics which offer vital services such as emergency contraception and HIV preventative drugs, have, however, managed to avoid the current fate of four other services within the health board’s authority.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it had been forced to “temporarily” close three sexual health services in Drumchapel, Pollok and Castlemilk and Kirkintilloch due to staffing issues.

A spokeswoman for the health board told the Reporter: “Elsewhere in Greater Glasgow and Clyde we have had to close four clinics but in West Dunbartonshire we have managed to retain services at our two clinics - at the Vale of Leven Hospital and at Clydebank Health Centre.

“Since January we have however had to reduce from three days to two due to staffing issues; with clinics now running one day a week from each centre.

“We are not able to say at this stage how long this arrangement will be in place.”

Clinics also offer reproductive advice, counselling, and appointments for women seeking terminations. The health board currently run 14 clinics within their area.

The spokeswoman added: “Every effort is being made to address the staffing issues. In the meantime, patients are being offered appointments at other clinics.”

Last week it was revealed cases of syphilis, which can lead to brain damage, are at a 15-year high in Scotland.