Family Planning NSW has launched an online and telehealth service for reproductive and sexual healthcare appointments during the coronavirus crisis.
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The new telehealth service ensures people access to essential reproductive and sexual health services during a time when social distancing and self-isolating is so important.
FPNSW Director of Clinical Operations Jodie Duggan said Family Planning NSW is committed to providing best practice, expert healthcare in line with recommended infection control and social distancing practices.
"Our services are now available over the phone, they include contraception, pregnancy options counselling, asymptomatic STI screening, medical abortion and gynaecological problems, including menstrual issues and menopause symptoms," she said.
"All services which require face-to-face consultations are still available and will be conducted in line with NSW Health recommendations to ensure the safety of clients and clinicians."
Ms Duggan said FPNSW recognised that reproductive and sexual healthcare is personal, time-sensitive and absolutely necessary - even in unprecedented times such as these.
"Our telehealth service means that everybody who needs access to this type of healthcare will have it, and it can be conducted safely and remotely," she said.
"If anybody needs to update their pill prescription, has concerns around STIs, is experiencing gynaecological issues or needs pregnancy options counselling - we can help."
The telehealth service also means GPs and other healthcare workers who may not have capacity for reproductive and sexual health consultations can refer their clients to FPNSW services.
"We understand this can be a stressful time to access healthcare of any kind, and we are working to continue meeting the community's reproductive and sexual health needs without anybody feeling like they have to wait it out," Ms Duggan said.
To arrange a telehealth consultation, people can call their local FPNSW clinic to organise a time or to discuss updated clinic guidelines for face-to-face consultations.
Contact details are available on the FPNSW website: https://www.fpnsw.org.au/clinics