Family Planning NSW launches telehealth service

Tuesday 7th Aprill 2020

Family Planning NSW has launched a new telehealth service to ensure access to essential reproductive and sexual health services is not compromised during this time.

As the leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services in the state, Family Planning NSW is committed to continue providing best practice, expert healthcare in line with recommended infection control and social distancing practices.

FPNSW services that are now available over the phone include contraception, pregnancy options counselling, asymptomatic STI screening, medical abortion and gynaecological problems, including menstrual issues and menopause symptoms.

All other services that require face-to-face consultations are still available and will be conducted in line with NSW Health recommendations to ensure the safety of clients and clinicians.

Jodie Duggan, Director of Clinical Operations at FPNSW, says that "Family Planning NSW recognises that reproductive and sexual healthcare is personal, time-sensitive and absolutely necessary - even in unprecedented times such as these."

"Our telehealth service means that everybody who needs access to this type of healthcare will have it, and it can be conducted safely and remotely."

"If anybody needs to update their pill prescription, has concerns around STIs, is experiencing gynaecological issues or needs pregnancy options counselling - we can help."

The telehealth service also means that GPs and other healthcare workers who may not have capacity for reproductive and sexual health consultations can refer their clients to FPNSW services.

"We understand this can be a stressful time to access healthcare of any kind, and we are working to continue meeting the community's reproductive and sexual health needs without anybody feeling like they have to wait it out," said Jodie.

To arrange a telehealth consultation, people can call their local FPNSW clinic to organise a time, or to discuss updated clinic guidelines for face-to-face consultations.

Contact details are available on the FPNSW website: https://www.fpnsw.org.au/clinics

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Media enquiries: Family Planning NSW E: media@fpnsw.org.au M: 0402 880 653 W: https://www.fpnsw.org.au