Spectrum has Integrated Sexual Health Services in three main locations; Wakefield, Barnsley, Wigan and Leigh. All three services following a similar model of delivering Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infection Management to the populations based in those three locations. All three services follow a similar model of care, they are commissioned by Local Authorities who are mandated by law to deliver ISHS in their locality. The services models are based on Service Specification led by Public Health England, and therefore similar in their delivery. Following care guidelines issued by the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, are how we ensure clinical practice is current and best practice. We are regulated, as with other clinical services by the Care Quality Commission.
The ISHS are led by a Clinical Lead (Medical Consultant) and Head of Service, based on site, all ISHS are overseen by a Cluster Manager .We work closely with our commissioners to deliver the care model and develop services across the districts. Services are not restricted to those services staffed by Spectrum employees; we support services, both medical and non-medical to deliver care which improves public health outcomes for the local population, such as Chlamydia Screening and Condom Distribution.
Services are open and accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, sexuality and postcode. The intention is that services are easily accessible to ensure that onward transmission of infection is minimised, and the risk of unwanted pregnancy is minimised as contraception can be commenced as soon as the patient attend (medical history permitting). We work closely with agencies who support our patients to ensure smooth care transition for patients in and out of ISHS.
- My job role includes
- Contributing to the delivery of evidence–based personalised and compassionate care which places quality at the heart of specialist sexual health practice and being responsive to individual needs and reflect current local protocols and national guidelines.
- Undertaking nurse-led clinics working alongside nursing colleagues, to ensure continuity of service provision.
- Being responsible for setting high standards of care within the resources available and to review and monitor these on a continuous basis, through the process of audit, to ensure continuing quality of care.
- Assess the contraceptive need of the client, taking a comprehensive medical, gynaecological, sexual, and social history as appropriate
- Offer testing for sexually transmitted infection, issue treatments as required, pregnancy testing and contraception provision of all methods including LARCs.
- • To safely work within Patient Group Directions criteria issuing first supply and the re-issue of contraception and relevant treatments for sexually transmitted infections.
- The fitting and removal of sub-dermal implants
- Provide pregnancy assessment, counselling and support for clients requesting referral for termination of pregnancy. To discuss contraception needs post termination with the service user.
- Perform cervical cytology as required and according to clinical practice and local eligibility guidelines
- Manage own workload to plan, organise and prioritise clinical responsibilities.
- To maintain high quality clinical electronic and paper records as applicable including plans of care, interventions and referrals, and respecting confidentiality always.
- Demonstrate awareness of clinical competencies and scope of practice.
- Communication and Relationships
- To provide advice, information, counselling, and education on all aspects of contraception and sexual health.
- Communicate highly sensitive condition related information with empathy and reassurance.
- Effectively work as an integral part of the Sexual Health team to promote the reproductive and sexual health of our service users.
- Frequently required to deal with sensitive and emotional situations, safeguarding referrals of children and vulnerable adults.
- To manage and supervise junior staff, carrying out training when authorised by the Service Lead.
- Act as a Mentor for pre-registration students
- Act as a clinical supervisor to nursing/non-nursing staff where applicable, to ensure continuity of service provision.
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the Fraser Guidelines regarding provision of contraception and STI treatment to people under the age of 16 being competently able able to assess Fraser competence as part of a team of professionals and be aware of referral pathways for Safeguarding children as stipulated by the local Safeguarding Children’s Board, liaising with other professionals as necessary. Decision and Judgements
- Management of a case load of clients within the speciality and prioritise workloads to meet the clients and service needs.
- Maintain awareness and follow procedures for Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Undertake training and complete Patient Group Directions Competency Framework in the supply and administration of drugs to clients.
- Follow the Sexual Health services Patient Group Directions, when planning, implementing, and delivering care and treatment to patients.
- Ensure own Continuous Professional development.
- Undertake an annual Personal Development review and agree a Personal Development Plan to identify any necessary training needs Trust and job specific.
- Attending Mandatory training as required
- Personally accountable for professional and ethical acts and omissions in compliance with the NMC code of Professional conduct.