Ministear airson Siainte Poblach Minister for Public Health

Micheal Matheson SPA Michael Matheson MSP

FIT: 0845 7741741

E: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsLgov.uk

The Scottish Government

Riaghaltas na h-Alba

Ms Kezia Dugdale MSP The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH991SP

Ur faidhlelYour ref: KS-21/09/11 Arfaidhle/Our ref: 2011/1018778 2-1 October 2011

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Thank you for your letter of 21 sl September regarding the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre. Officials have been in touch with colleagues at NHS Lothian who have reassured us that the initial teething problems you mention have, for the most part, been resolved. The staff have worked extremely hard to resolve these initial issues and to ensure all patients receive the best care and attention possible. The service is also conducting a major patient pathway review. Further improvements will be made as a result of this review. Further to your concern around services for young people, NHS Lothian has informed us that the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre identifies young people as a priority group. The policy of the Centre is that anyone under the age of sixteen calling or visiting the service will be seen on the same day. A consultation has been carried out in order to ensure that the Centre is suitable for the needs of young people by asking young people themselves what they require. As a result of this consultation, preparations are underway to advertise specific sessions for young people in addition to the existing priority access mentioned above. NHS Lothian has emphasised that confidentiality was a major consideration in the design of the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre. To ensure the privacy of those attending (both young people and adults) the centre contains a number of small waiting areas rather than a large central waiting area During my recent visit to the Centre, I was informed that, wherever possible, specific waiting rooms are dedicated to young people. NHS Lothian has informed Scottish Government that they are reviewing non-statutory provision of services to young people, currently provided by a number of agencies. This review process will be completed towards the end of the year and NHS Lothian has stressed that it cannot guarantee the continued support of anyone agency over another until the completion of this review.
Taigh Naomh Anndrais, Rathad Regent, Dun Eideann EH1 3DG St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG www.scotland.gov.uk

Whilst I appreciate your invitation, in the context of this review it would not be appropriate for me to visit Caledonia Youth at this time. I hope you find this information helpful.

Taigh Naomh Anndrais, Rathad Regent, Dun Eideann EHl 3DG St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EHl 3DG www.scotland.gov .uk

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