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11 September 2009
Sexual health clinic for youth opens at Maroubra Junction
Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among 15-24 year olds in the
Randwick Local Government Area, has prompted the opening of a free sexual health youth
clinic based at Waverley Action for Youth Services (WAYS) at Maroubra Junction.
Sydney Sexual Health Centre, in partnership with WAYS Youth Services, will today officially
open the second youth sexual health clinic – the Satellite Youth Sexual Health Clinic at
Maroubra Junction (Satellite at MJ).
The Satellite at MJ is an important development in the delivery of primary health services
for young people in the Randwick LGA, offering people under 24 with free and confidential
testing for STIs and pregnancy, vaccinations, treatment and management of STIs, contraception
advice and management, sexual health information, and condoms.
Dr Anna McNulty, Director of Sydney Sexual Health Centre, said Chlamydia is one
of the most curable STIs, however some of highest rates of Chlamydia are found in young people.
”Unfortunately Chlamydia often produces no symptoms, and as many young people
often find it difficult to attend health services or their local doctor for STI testing,
infection can remain undetected; which makes the Satellite at MJ an important development
in the range of services offered to young people in the area,” Dr McNulty said.
Following on from the success of the Satellite Youth Sexual Health Clinic at Bondi Junction,
the Satellite at MJ is a specialist youth oriented service, aimed at providing youth friendly,
accessible sexual health services for those most in need.
“Not many young people are currently getting tested for STIs. We hope that the Satellite at
MJ will encourage more local young people to access sexual health care, increase awareness
of STIs and increase condom use to prevent transmission,” Dr McNulty said.
The Satellite at MJ is currently open every Wednesday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, and is located at
WAYS Youth Services, 1/755 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction
(corner of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Rd). Telephone: 02 9314 2222, no appointment is necessary
and no Medicare card is required.
Young people can also find out more about the Satellite clinics and STIs by calling the
NSW Sexual Health Information line on (free call):1800 451 624 or via the NSW Health Get
Tested website at:
www.gettested.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Poppy Diamantis: 02 9382 8398 or 0411 730 842
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