News / Local sexual health film scotches myths
A SHORT video by young islanders is helping break down barriers to Shetland’s sexual health and wellbeing clinic.
The video is proving a success as a sex education tool in schools and youth clubs.
Una Murray, who delivers sex education workshops, said: “It makes young people realise the clinic’s not such a daunting place to go.
“It reduces the fear of going into a hospital and makes the whole service far more accessible.”
She said the video is shown eight to 10 times per year, with a clinic nurse present to lead question and answer sessions.
The 12-minute clip was made by the now defunct Shetland Youth Information Service (SYIS) and follows the journey of a young person who wakes up one morning realising she has had unprotected sex.
Youth worker Neil Pearson, who plays a part in the video, said the camera showed events through the teenager’s eyes.
“We never actually see the girl who visits the clinic, though we do hear her thoughts and her voice as she speaks to the nurse and to her friend.”
Pearson plays the part of a supportive friend who persuades the worried young woman to visit the clinic.
“From there we follow the pair through the doors of the hospital and into the clinic where every person is given a number (the service is completely confidential) and into the consulting rooms,” he said.
“We see how the whole process works and exactly how friendly, welcoming and easy to use the service is.
“The film also scotches certain myths, such as that you need to wait a certain period of time after a sexual encounter before being tested for any infection, or that the tests are painful.”
NHS Shetland health improvement services are running the clinic on Monday nights between 6.30 and 8.30pm.
No appointments are required for advice, screening, testing, most contraception (including emergency contraception), but people need to book ahead for fitting and removing contraceptive implants and coils.
Appointments can be made by phoning the Gilbert Bain Hospital on 01595 743000 during the sexual health clinic opening times. Most services the clinic provides are also available through GPs or practice nurses.
Further information is available on the NHS health improvement website or the information line on 01595 743230.
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