The health and care overview and scrutiny panel recently completed a thorough review of sexual health services for young people in the borough.
Following this review, several areas for improvement have been identified. The recommendations have been endorsed by the council’s cabinet.
The panel looked at the local support available. They looked at whether the needs of local young people were being met. They did this by questioning a variety of stakeholders. These included:
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (formerly Public Health England)
- Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (BHFT)
- young people in Bracknell Forest
The views of young people were captured through focus groups and a questionnaire. These were carried out by Bracknell Forest Public Health.
Through the above feedback, the panel was able to develop their understanding of services available. This meant they could then develop recommendations for improvement which were:
- To advise schools to change website restrictions. This would allow young people to access services such as NHS Choices, Brook and Safe Sex Berkshire.
- Make sure the OxWell student survey includes questions to gather the views of young people about the sex education they receive.
- Make sure young people’s views of the services, including those of vulnerable children, are sought by public health as part of the service development improvement plan with BHFT.
- Request Garden Clinic attendance data from BHFT, specific to Bracknell Forest residents, for review by the cabinet member.
- Improve promotion and awareness of sexual health services for young people.
The report and recommendations were discussed by the council’s decision-making cabinet on 15 October. The cabinet agreed the recommendations.
Cllr Caroline Egglestone, Chair of the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel, said:
"During this review it became apparent how some young people have trouble finding the relevant support when they have needed advice and help with sexual health. This was confirmed with our findings and stated by the those who completed the youth survey.
“It was, however, encouraging to find out the council is working hard with UKHSA, BHFT and young people to start addressing these issues. We believe our recommendations can add value to the service and help more young people to have a first-class service within the borough."
Cllr Mary Temperton, Leader of the council, said:
"We recognise that access to family planning, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and treatment is essential for the health and wellbeing of our residents. This extensive review looked at the provision of such services in the borough and made the recommendations outlined above.
“As we aim to increase our reach to make sure that everyone living in the borough can access services, we have recommended further emphasis on the use of pharmacies and access to information through the internet and schools.
“These recommendations will be reviewed by the council to make sure they are implemented in the next 6 to 12 months. I thank the overview and scrutiny commission for their work in this important area."