New sexual health service launches across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

A new, innovative integrated sexual and reproductive health service has launched in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). The new service, named Yuno, offers free and confidential access to a wide range of services.

Building on the current provision in place and informed by extensive feedback from service users and professionals, the new service launches a clinically supported easy-to-use website, which will act as a digital ‘front door’, providing convenient and confidential ways to get expert advice, contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment. Managed by a team of experienced sexual health clinicians and other healthcare professionals, the platform ensures you receive trusted, high-quality and timely care.

Alternative ways of accessing Yuno are available. In-person clinical services will continue to be provided by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who also provide the pregnancy advisory service across BNSSG.

By expanding digital support alongside in-person care, the new service aims to make it easier for people to access sexual and reproductive health services, helping improve health outcomes. The launch comes at a time when there has been a sharp increase in STI rates across England. Data released last year by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed STI diagnoses are continuing to rise, with cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis hitting record levels.

Yuno is funded by Bristol City, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils. It is being provided by the NHS and a number of existing not-for-profit sexual health and wellbeing organisations working collaboratively.

Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, Bristol City Council, said:

“Yuno Sexual Health service, the new website, and the accompanying promotional and outreach work, alongside investment in specialist clinical services, represents a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone in our city has easy access to the essential sexual health care and support they need. We hope this will open the doors for more people to get help and information.

‘We are pleased to be working closely with all our partners to produce the best care for our residents in Bristol and beyond. We are committed to supporting the sexual health and wellbeing of all our residents, and this new service is a testament to that commitment. I look forward to where we can take this service in the future and the continued development of our sexual health support.”

Access to services through the Yuno website is managed by digital sexual health experts SH:24. UHBW will work with North Bristol NHS Trust and Brook, a sexual health and wellbeing charity, who will provide specialist services for under-25s. Brook will also work with local charity Brigstowe to deliver a range of targeted, community-based interventions to support those who face greater health inequalities.

Dr Megan Crofts, Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine at UHBW, said:

“As sexual health clinicians we are glad to be able to continue providing integrated sexual health care to the population of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Based on public feedback and public health trends, the new clinical service will have a particular focus on prevention, increasing access to long-acting contraception and PrEP medication to prevent HIV.”

Paula Baraitser, Clinical Director at SH:24 said:

“SH:24 is very pleased to contribute to this innovative system that integrates digital and face-to-face care to provide sexual health care when and where people need it.  For the first time, the whole system is working together with a single digital front door helping people navigate a complex system. We think that this model of good practice will benefit service users and is likely to influence services across the UK.”

Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health for North Somerset Council, said:

“As cases of sexually transmitted infections continue to rise across our region, I’m delighted to be working collaboratively with our partners to provide a comprehensive and confidential sexual and reproductive health service. We understand that accessing sexual health services can be daunting, which is why through enhancing our online offer and joining services together we hope it will make a difference. This will help people step forward to get the advice and support they need directly from our specially trained sexual health clinicians and staff, leading to better health outcomes across our region.”

Sarah Weld, Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“Commissioning of specialist contraception and sexual health services is a core local authority Public Health responsibility.

“We are pleased to be working in collaboration with local partners to plan and deliver this important service for South Gloucestershire residents. Our new service is being launched at a time when diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections are increasing and there is a need for services which are accessible for all.

“Our new service means that whether residents choose to access advice, testing or treatment about sexual health or contraception, online or in-person, they can be assured of the same high-quality service from an expert team of dedicated clinicians.”

How to access the service

From 1 April, the integrated sexual and reproductive health service can be accessed online at https://yunosexualhealth.co.uk