Regional Hospital Mullingar launch new STI testing service

The new online (home) Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing service has been rolled out in Regional Hospital Mullingar (RHM) in conjunction with SH:24.ie and the HSE.

People aged 17 and over with an address in Longford, Westmeath and all surrounding counties can now access this service and have screening done for sexually transmitted infections.

Those who require follow up and treatment will be directed to the Sexual health clinic in RHM.

Nurse manager of the clinic, Angela Cotter said: “This fantastic service is for the people of Longford and Westmeath who want a routine screening preformed and can access sexual health screening easily and quickly at home.

“It also ensures that people who require treatment can be seen promptly in our Sexual Health Clinic”

Online sexual health services can allow people to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) easily from their own homes.

Through ordering a free kit online, people can complete the samples, return them by free post, and have results quickly and discreetly returned to them by text message or phone call.

Online services can help lower some of the barriers which people may face accessing sexual health services, including:

- Travelling to a clinic

- Taking time off work to attend an appointment

- Concerns about discretion

- Anxiety waiting for results (online services can return results within 3 days).

This service is for individuals who may or may not have symptoms of an STI but want to be screened.

Information about symptoms of an STI are available here.

If you have symptoms or need urgent support, contact your local sexual health service or your GP.

Information on the STI testing pilot and how to order a test is available on www.sexualwellbeing.ie and www.sh24.ie.

If you need help with an existing order or wish to discuss your results, you can get in touch with the clinical team by replying to any text message from SH:24.

You can also visit sh:24.ie for further support and information.

The sexual health clinic in Regional Hospital Mullingar operates by appointment only every Wednesday evening from 5pm, providing a PrEP Service (Pre exposure prophylaxis for HIV) and STI screening and treatment.

Contact 087 7104 152.

For more information on sexual health and well-being visit www.sexualwellbeing.ie.