Devon sexual health expands services in North Devon

North Devon residents now have increased access to free and confidential sexual health services with the expansion of clinics in Bideford and Ilfracombe by Devon Sexual Health.

These additional clinics aim to provide essential support, including contraception, STI testing, and treatment, to a wider population.

The Bideford clinic, located at Bideford Community Hospital, Abbotsham Road, operates every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Meanwhile, the Ilfracombe clinic, situated at Tyrrell Hospital, St Brannocks Road, runs every Monday from 10am to 4pm. Both clinics operate on an appointment-only basis, which can be scheduled through the main Devon Sexual Health service in Barnstaple.

Devon Sexual Health's main clinic, based at Barnstaple Health Centre, Vicarage Street, Barnstaple, also offers a walk-in clinic on Monday afternoons. Additionally, a dedicated young person drop-in clinic for those under 21 is available on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

The expansion aligns with Devon Sexual Health's commitment to offering comprehensive sexual health services to all residents of Devon. Services encompass STI testing and treatment, contraception, HIV testing and care, as well as the provision of PrEP.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is used to reduce the risk of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

The clinics, run through the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, pride themselves on being free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

As part of their outreach, Devon Sexual Health encourages residents to visit www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk for information on clinics, services, self-testing, and even online condom orders. 

For inquiries and appointments, individuals can contact the Barnstaple Devon Sexual Health service at 0300 303 3989. The Barnstaple clinic is conveniently situated on the first floor of the Barnstaple Health Centre on Vicarage Street, near the back entrances of the Green Lanes shopping centre.