Sexual Health Centre moves to Riccarton Road

January 18, 2016

Sexual Health Centre moves to Riccarton Road

Been naughty or nice over the Christmas and New Year holiday period? It’s a good time to get a sexual health check.

But before you do, you need to know that the Canterbury DHB’s Sexual Health Clinic has a new home on Riccarton Road.

Catherine Parkes, Sexual Health Centre Clinical Nurse Manager, says it pays to have a check-up after the “silly season” to ensure you haven’t picked up any unwanted infections.

“Come see us at our refurbished clinic on 314 Riccarton Road, which opens its doors this Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Just phone us on our usual number, 03 364 0485, to make an appointment.”

Catherine says people often forget about their sexual health and the importance of having regular checks.

“Both partners should be tested prior to beginning a monogamous relationship because it pays to get checked just to be safe than sorry,” she says.

“And if you do have multiple sex partners, then it’s even more important to have regular checks.”

Sexual infections can lead to serious health problems, Catherine says.

“The problem is some of the more common ones like Chlamydia, can have no symptoms but can cause serious complications such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.”
A concern in Canterbury in recent years has been the increasing number of syphilis cases.

“If left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to your nerves, bones, skin, eyes and brain.”

While nearly all reported cases are male, health officials are concerned about the impact of syphilis spreading to the female population.

“It’s particularly dangerous for pregnant women as syphilis can cause congenital defects.”

The new Sexual Health Centre on Riccarton Road is on a main bus route, near the Bush Inn shopping centre, and has plenty of parking.

Opening hours remain the same:

· Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9am to 5pm

· Wednesday, 11am to 7.30pm

All staff phone and email contact details will also stay the same (Phone: 03 364 0485).

ENDS

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