This month will see the NHS launch ‘one stop shops’ for sexual health services across North Herts.

Aimed at improving access, new clinics are set to open in Stevenage, Hitchin, Baldock and Royston and will include genitourinary medicine to treat sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive provision.

A dedicated outreach team will work with community groups, voluntary organisations and other healthcare providers to allow young people and those at high risk of poor sexual health find the services they need more easily.

A central telephone number for Herts will be introduced to enable people to book appointments and get help and support.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, responsible for public health and localism at Herts County Council, said: “Sexual health is an important area of public health.

“Our top priority is to continue to invest in sexual health services and find innovative ways to achieve the best quality we can for that investment.”

A range of health professionals, including doctors, nurses and health advisers, will deliver the new service.

The scheme will also provide support and education to help people who visit manage their own sexual health.

Una McCann, a lead nurse for contraception and sexual health services, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer contraceptive and sexual health services to people in Hertfordshire.”

The clinics will be based at Bedford Road Health Centre in Hitchin, Park Drive Health Centre in Baldock, Royston Health Centre and the Kingsway Clinic at Stevenage Leisure Park.

Opening times and services vary. To find out more and to book appointments call the Hitchin clinic on 01462 427130, the Baldock centre on 01462 492549 and the Stevenage clinic on 01438 847500.

You can also visit sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk.