Brand new sexual health service opens in Yeovil

People in Yeovil can now access a full range of free and confidential sexual health services locally, following the launch of a new SWISH clinic at the Summerlands health park on Preston Road.

The new clinic brings together sexual and reproductive health services under one roof for the first time in Yeovil, removing the need for many people to travel elsewhere in the county for care.

It offers testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraception including coils and implants, emergency contraception, HIV prevention medication, and selected sexual health vaccinations for eligible people.

SWISH (Somerset-Wide Integrated Sexual Health) is commissioned by Somerset Council and run by our trust, and has been providing integrated sexual health services in the county since 2016.

All services are offered in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment and are open to people of all ages including young people.

Jon Parish, our service manager for SWISH, says the Yeovil clinic marks a significant step forward for local access.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to offer such a comprehensive sexual health service in Yeovil,” he says.

“We know that convenience and confidentiality really matter, and having a dedicated service locally makes it much easier for people to come forward early and get the support they need.

“This clinic is exactly the kind of local, preventative service that the NHS 10 Year Health Plan is aiming for – making it easier for people across Somerset to get advice, testing and treatment early, and reducing health inequalities by bringing care closer to home.

“By offering a range of appointments, as well as online and postal options, we’re removing practical barriers so more people can access sexual health support at the right time.”

The new clinic at Summerlands complements the existing SWISH hub in Taunton and a network of smaller satellite clinics across Somerset, helping ensure more equitable access to sexual health services across the county.

Jon says the service is designed to reduce barriers that can prevent people seeking help. “Sexual health can feel sensitive or difficult to talk about, particularly for young people or those who’ve had negative experiences in the past,” he says.

“Our focus is on making the service welcoming and easy to access, whether that’s through appointments, telephone advice, walk‑in sessions or postal testing where appropriate.”

As well as STI testing and treatment, the Yeovil clinic provides advice and support around contraception, including long‑acting methods, emergency contraception, HIV testing and prevention through PrEP and PEP, and psychosexual services.

The service provides advice and information on sexual health promotion for all young people who have a need, including access to the Somerset C-card condom scheme.

Dr Nikki Jeal, consultant in sexual reproductive health and clinical service lead for SWISH, adds: “We are absolutely delighted that the SWISH clinic at Summerlands in Yeovil is now open.

“This specialist sexual health service for Yeovil and the surrounding area has been a long time in the planning, so it’s fantastic to see it finally become a reality.

“The new hub allows us to deliver high quality, specialist sexual health care locally, reducing the need for people to travel and improving access for the community. It also creates new opportunities to work more closely with other services based at Summerlands.

“The development aligns closely with the ambitions of the ten year health plan by providing equitable, community based care and ensuring consistent, high quality provision across the county.”

Councillor Graham Oakes, Somerset Council portfolio holder for public health, says: “Somerset Council is delighted that a new sexual health clinic is opening in Yeovil, which will give much better access to these important services for our local communities in the east of the county.

“We are committed to working with our partners to improve sexual health outcomes and tackling social and health inequalities and this service will support our public health priorities, including reducing sexually transmitted infections, providing earlier detection for infections like HIV, reducing unplanned pregnancies and promoting good sexual health which is important for our overall health and wellbeing.”

SWISH services are free and confidential, and most services can be accessed without a GP referral. More information about the Yeovil clinic and how to access SWISH is available at www.swishservices.co.uk.