Member Article

East Cheshire NHS Trust Launches Festive Campaign

East Cheshire NHS Trust has launched a festive campaign, calling for party-goers to practice safe sex during the Christmas period to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections.

Just in time for the holidays, the important message has been issued by East Cheshire NHS Trust, which runs sexual health clinics across the county including Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield, Sandbach, Wilmslow and Knutsford.

Alcohol consumption can often lead to lowered inhibitions, and so the trust is calling for people to remember the dangers of unprotected sex, which include sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV. Sexual health experts are also reminding people that unplanned pregnancies can also occur should when adequate protection is not used.

East Cheshire NHS Trust’s medical director Dr John Hunter explained: “At this time of year, many people will be enjoying the festive season at a work’s do or Christmas party and might be drinking more than planned.

“After consuming alcohol, judgement can be impaired often meaning that people forget to take precautions during sexual activity. This increases the risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancies, which is why we are campaigning for local people to practice safe sex and protect themselves as we head into the New Year.”

Dr Hunter added: “For anyone who has any concerns or symptoms that they are worried about, there is local help available. Visit our sexual health website - www.gosexualhealth.co.uk to find your nearest clinic or get in touch with us for confidential, non-judgemental advice and support. Information about practicing safe sex is also available online on the NHS Choices website.”

A full list of clinics in Cheshire, including Christmas and New Year opening times, can be found here. The clinics also provide contraception services in addition to sexual health.

Free chlamydia testing postal kits can also be ordered from the gosexualhealth website. Click here to request your kit.

In addition to services commissioned by Cheshire East Council, East Cheshire NHS Trust also operates clinics in the Cheshire West and Chester Council footprint.

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