Clinics & Services
italk
italk, Hampshire's NHS Talking Therapy Service
The italk service offers evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and phobias, but you don't need a diagnosis to self-refer. Visit the link for further information.
Adult Safe Haven Hub
The Adults’ Safe Haven is for any adult needing immediate support at a time of crisis. The Adults’ Safe Haven is open for face to face mental health support at the Wellbeing Hub in Leigh Park.
At the Safe Haven individuals develop short term coping strategies. If you visit you will also build knowledge and understanding of other (longer term) support.
Please click on this link for more information Adult Safe Haven
Child Immunisation
If a vaccine is given when a baby still has antibodies to the disease, the antibodies can stop the vaccine working. This is why routine childhood immunisations do not start until a baby is two months old, before the antibodies a baby gets from its mother have stopped working. This is also why it is important for parents to stick to the immunisation schedule, as a delay can leave a baby unprotected. A delay can increase the chance of adverse reactions to some vaccines, such as pertussis (whooping cough).
Further reading
There are some excellent websites that will answer all your questions and queries about immunisation and vaccination.
Vaccination Schedule - The most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate source of information on vaccines, disease and immunisation in the UK.
The following link takes you to the vaccination planner on the NHS Choices website.
Social Prescribing
November 2020 Social Prescribing Leaflet
Female Health
Maternity Care
From 22nd February 2021 there is a new way for you to register for maternity care at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. You don't need to contact your GP - they will do that for you. Simply register using this website: https://www.pregnotes.net/SelfReferral/CareLocation/SHIP This will notify your midwife team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust who will contact you to arrange an appointment. If you are unable to notify us online, please call 07834 698886.
Cervical Screening Test
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb).
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix. Most women's test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later.
NHS Choices - Cervical Screen Test
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa. There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
What an HPV infection can do
Infection with some types of HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells, which can lead to cervical cancer. Infection with other forms of HPV can also cause genital warts. Other types of HPV infection can cause minor problems, such as common skin warts and verrucas. Around 30 types of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact, including those that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.
HPV infection is also linked to vaginal cancer and vulval cancer, although both are rare conditions.
Human papillomavirus vaccine
Cancer Research UK - HPV Virus
Sexual Health
Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it's important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Links
Sex and Young People
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Sexual Health FAQs
Netdoctor - Sex & Relationships
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
75% of people infected with chlamydia don't have any symptoms. However, testing and treatment are simple.
Useful Links
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (under-25s) has more information on chlamydia.
NHS Choices - Focus on Chlamydia
Contraception
Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you'll find one that suits you. Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.
The methods of contraception
There are lots of methods to choose from, so don't be put off if the first thing you use isn't quite right for you; you can try another. You can read about each of the different methods of contraception by visiting these pages:
Healthy Living
Stop Smoking
Smokefree Hampshire offers people who would like to stop smoking the opportunity to access various tiered levels of support suited to their lifestyle and individual preferences, to help them quit smoking for good.
To find out more about how to get help to quite smoking, find local clinics and to self-refer visit the Smokefree website or you can call 01264 563039 or text Quit to 66777
Eating Well & Exercise
A good diet is central to overall good health, but which are the best foods to include in your meals, and which ones are best avoided? This section looks at the facts, to help you make realistic, informed choices.
BBC Healthy Living – Nutrition
Information on a healthy diet and ways to make it work for you.
NHS - Good Food Guide
Change for life
These days, 'modern life' can mean that we're a lot less active. With so many opportunities to watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, we don't move about as much, or eat as well as we used to. Which means that 9 out of 10 kids today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease - so it’s really important that we do something about it.
www.nhs.uk/change4life
Prescribing of over the counter medicines
Your GP or nurse will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns.
Over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.
The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it's more serious, they'll ensure you get the care you need.
Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.
For more information please click on the attached documents:
Prescribing of over the counter medication leaflet
Conditions treatments apply to leaflet
Over the counter patient information leaflet