New Sexual Health Clinic opens in Geelong’s North
As people across the world come together to recognise World AIDS Day, a group of Barwon Health clinicians are welcoming the recent opening of Geelong’s newest sexual health clinic, encouraging the community to keep up to date with their sexual health checks.
Professor Eugene Athan OAM, said whilst people with HIV can now manage the disease by seeking support to take medication and live a healthy lifestyle; it is important that those at risk get tested to ensure that they can get access to the latest treatments available,
“We now have medications and treatment that mean people with HIV can live a relatively normal life. However, without a diagnosis, patients are unable to start these treatments,” he says.
It is expected the new sexual health clinic at Barwon Health North will mean easier access to this specialist care including HIV support and testing. The new clinic will complement the services provided at the current clinic located at University Hospital Geelong.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Rochelle Hamilton said it is important to reduce stigma around sexually transmitted diseases to allow a more open conversation around testing, treatment and ultimately reducing the risk of transmission.
Our team at the Barwon South West Public Health Unit and the Barwon Reproductive and Sexual Health (BRaSH) clinic can support people across the region to manage their sexual health and wellbeing. We aim to ensure people feel comfortable accessing services related to their sexual health.
Our team at our two BRaSH clinics, Barwon Health North and University Hospital Geelong, are here to provide care and support to the community,” she says.
This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “Inclusion. Respect. Equity”. In Australia, it is a day for the community to:
- show their support for people living with HIV
- raise awareness about prevention, treatment and care
- eliminate stigma and discrimination around HIV
- remember people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses.
The team at Geelong’s BRaSH clinics will be showing their support by wearing red ribbons on the day.
Barwon Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic (BRaSH), including HIV Services:
- University Hospital Geelong:
Tuesdays 2pm – 6.30pm (walk-in appointments available)
Outpatients, Level 3, University Hospital Geelong
(Bellarine St Entrance)
- Barwon Health North :
Thursdays 2pm – 7pm (walk-in appointments available)
155 Princes Hwy, Norlane
For more information on BRaSH clinic head to barwonhealth.org.au
PHOTO: Clinic GP Dr Kit Rojanbenjawong and nurse Teagan Simms.