Condoms by post hits first anniversary

NHS Lanarkshire’s Condoms by Post service continues to be a hit with service users a year after it was launched in response to Covid-19.

Started shortly after the first Uk-wide national lockdown was announced, the initiative is designed to ensure people can access condoms safely and easily.

Feedback gathered from service users since April last year shows 90 per cent responded positively about the possibility of the service being extended.

Hosted by Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire on behalf of the whole of Lanarkshire, the free service discreetly provides condoms to anyone wishing to access the service with a Lanarkshire postcode.

To further raise awareness of the service, a new campaign has been developed to emphasise that condoms are the most effective way to safeguard sexual health as they provide a barrier against most sexually transmitted infections being passed from one person to another.

Lanarkshire residents can also access the Contraception by Post service. All new patients have an initial phone consultation to ensure the service meets their needs and are then sent the appropriate contraception, such as the contraceptive pill.

Some patients may also require a physically distanced, face-to-face appointment before being given some forms of contraception and this will be discussed during the telephone consultation.

Jo Duffy, health improvement senior with the blood borne virus and sexual health promotion team, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “From the very start of the pandemic we’ve worked to keep people safe and make sure they haven’t had to physically attend any of our venues, unless it was an emergency, in order to reduce footfall and Covid-19 transmission risks.

“It’s been very positive to see so many people using the service despite it being such a short time after it started.

“Almost 80,000 free condoms were provided to people right across Lanarkshire, between traditional routes and new initiatives including Condoms by Post, which shows that people are mindful of the ongoing importance of good sexual health during the pandemic.

“Our aim is to maintain as many service users on contraception as possible and continue to provide access to free condoms to help avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections during the coronavirus outbreak”.

To access Condoms by Post, residents can call 07583 064622 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email freecondoms@lanarkshire. scot.nhs.uk

To arrange an initial consultation to access Contraception by Post, people all across Lanarkshire can call the appointment line on 0300 303 0251; the line is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Friday. The service can also be emailed at ranoutofpills@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk