Working collaboratively to deliver improved services in the heart of Leicester, through the development of a new sexual health service centre. This case study forms part of our sexual health resource.
Region: North East, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands
Theme: Health and social care (in OPE)
The challenge
Leicester’s Sexual Health Services landscape is complex, with responsibility for providing services being divided between local authorities, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England. Leicester’s sexual health service was formerly located outside of the city centre, which was inaccessible for many and consequently limited the reach of the service. IT infrastructure at the original centre was not fit to support the vision of staff to provide a more comprehensive and forward-thinking service to patients, utilising advances in technology to ensure better health outcomes.
The story
As part of the Leicestershire One Public Estate (OPE) programme, partners including Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council and NHS England have worked together to deliver a state of the art sexual health service in the heart of Leicester’s Haymarket Shopping Centre, which has better transport links.
Lower running costs associated with the new centre mean the authorities will save as much as £1.5m in the first five years of operation whilst also providing a more comprehensive service. Through innovative planning, the centre has successfully utilised a smaller space without compromising the confidential service provided to patients. The development of ‘Haymarket Health’ created 14 new jobs associated with the relocation and construction of the health service and the reception design was the result of a competition for students from the School of Design at Leicester’s De Montfort University.
The project, which was supported by OPE, was completed in December 2018, less than one year from the initial consultation. During this time, a feasibility study was carried out, planning permission was granted and works commenced to transform the disused space into a sexual health service which is more accessible than its predecessor at St Peters Health Centre.
The new clinic will provide better health outcomes for service users by providing early testing and treatment to stop onward transmission of STIs as well as prompt provision of contraception and pregnancy advice. The recent relocation to the centre of the city allows for greater accessibility for local residents, improving the service provided to the community.
Kim Knight, Service Manager, said: “We are extremely excited to bring sexual health services in to the city centre. The new clinic will allow us to improve accessibility and offer better choice across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
The outcomes
The project is delivering:
- running cost savings of £300k per annum
- 14 new jobs associated with the refurbishment of the centre
- better health outcomes through improved access for service users, providing early testing and treatment to stop onward transmission of STIs and prompt provision of contraception
- a reduction in duplication, realisation of efficiencies to meet rising demand and promote preventive and risk reduction approaches.
For further information please contact our Regional Programme Managers for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands.