10,000 visit sex health clinic

MORE than 10,000 patients have already been seen at the city’s new sexual health clinic since it opened in June.

The Lauriston Place facility, billed as the UK’s first one-stop shop for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, was officially unveiled yesterday by Public Health Minister Michael Matheson.

Work started on converting the historic Chalmers Hospital in 2009.

NHS Lothian said the number attending had vindicated its decision to build the £8 million centre, where patients can be tested, diagnosed and treated. It also successfully keeps in use an old building.

Mr Matheson said: “NHS boards are working hard to improve Scotland’s sexual health. The opening of the new Chalmers Sexual Health Centre is a great example.

“The centre will provide effective and patient-centred sexual health services for the people of Edinburgh.”

He added: “It is an excellent example of integrated sexual healthcare and a model of best practice we would like to see replicated elsewhere in Scotland.”