Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual Health Network
What is Sexual Health?
In 1986 the World Health Organisation defined sexual health as:
‘A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.’
In keeping with the above WHO definition, the aim of the network is to improve communication and develop services that focus on positive sexual health for all. It acknowledges that sex and sexuality do not exist within a vacuum but within relationships and social structures, and it seeks to improve sexual health in a holistic way. The network embraces a whole systems multidisciplinary approach to the planning of interventions to improve service delivery and promote sexual health.
What will the network do?
The national strategy described three levels of provision for the development of a comprehensive service. Implementation of the levels (outlined briefly below) aims to deliver the following benefits:
- Increased access to sexual health services for patients
- Targeting of sexual health services where most needed
- A More effective approach for professionals sharing and accessing the same information
The network will work to support the development of sexual health services across the Island in line with the national sexual health and HIV strategy.
What are the Sexual Health Service Levels?
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the primary care setting gradual development should ensure these services are available.
|
Through primary care setting with special interest, GUM and family planning, examples
|
Specialist Clinician teams support provider quality and clinical governance at all levels and services could include
|
The Network aims to develop outcome measures, ensure quality standards and strive for excellence and modernisation in sexual health service provision to improve the sexual health of the population of the Isle of Wight whilst achieving organisational targets. A number of key PCT targets directly depend on the provision of good quality and effective sexual health services.
- PSA 11a Teenage conception rates.
- PSA 11b Access to GUM Clinics.
- PSA 11c Decrease in rates of new diagnosis of gonorrhoea.
- PSA 11d Percentage of females aged 15-24 accepting Chlamydia screening.
Health Care Commission targets relating to long term contraception and termination of pregnancy services. Choosing Health has resulted in a national programme of reviews of local GUM and contraceptive services. These reviews will produce recommendations for change and investment. Achieving sexual health priority targets and standards will be an important part of measuring their effectiveness. This requires ownership and leadership from PCT boards and Executive teams.
What will the network do?
The Network is designed to:
- Increased access to sexual health services for patients and for patients to have a choice of services and access,
- Provide good information on Sexually Transmitted Infections and Services on the Island,
- Give advice and support on safer sex
- A More effective approach for professionals sharing and accessing the same information,
- Continue consistent standards of care.
The network is following the Department of Health guidelines and the Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health.
Implementing a network is a way of formalising what we are doing every where in the NHS - working together to provide effective services for patients. Clinical networks facilitate a coordinated approach to service delivery across a larger population and help to break down barriers and engender teamwork.
What is a service Network?
Our working definition of a Network is “a collaborative partnership of professionals (both commissioner and provider) working in a coordinated manner, unconstrained by existing professional and organisational boundaries to ensure patient-focused high quality, effective, equitable services.”
(NHS North London Sexual Health and HIV Network)
What does WISHNET stand for?
The Isle of Wight Sexual Health Network
Who runs the network?
The network is run by Randip Arack (Health Promotion Specialist in Sexual Health).
The structure and priorities of the network has been have been discussed at the Sexual Health Partnership Planning Forum (SHPPF) with representation from all units, all Primary Care Trusts and professional groups.
The website is written by health professionals from the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust and is maintained by Randip Arack with assistance from Wight365 Limited (Web Company).
