Sexual health plan to include remote consultations

The updated strategy will introduce remote consultations and enhanced digital services

An updated sexual health strategy for Guernsey and Alderney is intended to build on the achievements of the first plan, say managers.

They said there had been a reduction in under-18 conception rates, the rollout of HIV prevention, free cervical screening and the modernisation of the Bailiwick's abortion law.

The new strategy will continue to focus on those areas while introducing initiatives such as remote consultations and enhanced digital services, said Dr Jenny Rivers-Moore, associate specialist in sexual and reproductive health.

"This strategy recognises that sexual health is not only about disease or infection but also about promoting positive sexual health and wellbeing," she said.

Dr Nicola Brink, director of public health, said: "Guernsey is ahead of many countries in already having a sexual and reproductive health strategy in place.

"This refresh updates our current strategy to account for new data and emerging trends."

Deputy Al Brouard, president of the committee for health and social care, said: "We need to continually work towards improving sexual and reproductive health services and create an environment where all people can enjoy good sexual and reproductive health."