Condoms by Post service rated a smash hit amid pandemic

A Condoms by Post service has been rated a smash hit after it was launched a year ago in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

NHS Lanarkshire kickstarted the service after the first UK-wide lockdown to ensure people could still access condoms safely and easily.

Feedback gathered from service users since April 2020 has shown that 90% responded positively about the possibility of the service being extended.

Hosted by Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, the free service discreetly provides condoms to anyone wishing to access the service with a Lanarkshire postcode.

To further raise awareness of the service, a new campaign has been developed to emphasise that condoms are the most effective way to safeguard sexual health as they provide a barrier against most sexually transmitted infections being passed from one person to another.

Lanarkshire residents can also access the Contraception by Post service.

All new patients must have an initial phone consultation to ensure the service meets their needs before they are sent the appropriate contraception, such as the contraceptive pill.

Some patients may require a physically distanced, face-to-face appointment.

Jo Duffy, health improvement senior with the blood borne virus and sexual health promotion team atNHS Lanarkshire, said: “From the very start of the pandemic we’ve worked to keep people safe and make sure they haven’t had to physically attend any of our venues, unless it was an emergency, in order to reduce footfall and Covid-19 transmission risks.

“It’s been very positive to see so many people using the service despite such a short time after it started.

“Almost 80,000 free condoms were provided to people right across Lanarkshire, between traditional routes and new initiatives including Condoms by Post, which shows that people are mindful of the ongoing importance of good sexual health during the pandemic.

“Our aim is to maintain as many service users on contraception as possible and continue to provide access to free condoms to help avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections during the Coronavirus outbreak.”

To access Condoms by Post, call 07583 064 622 or email freecondoms@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.

To access Contraception by Post, call 0300 303 0251 or email ranoutofpills@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.