Sexual health clinic now run by 'experts'

CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED AFTER WORK OF PREVIOUS SERVICE

- By DANIEL HOLLAND Local democracy reporter

SERIOUS failings that led to Newcastle's sexual health service being rated "inadequate" should not be repeated once it is under new management, city officials believe.

Public health bosses on Tyneside say they are confident the clinic's deterioration over the past couple of years will be reversed and a similar situation avoided in other frontline services.

The Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) is taking over the in-person service, based at Ravensworth Terrace in the Summerhill conservation area just outside the city centre, after private firm Solutions 4 Health (S4H) had its contract terminated by Newcastle City Council.

The clinic was placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission in December, following an inspection that uncovered breaches of legal regulations in relation to safeguarding, staffing, the safety of premises and equipment, and how the service is managed.