WISHNET The Isle of Wight Integrated Sexual Health Network
Our working definition of a Network is "a collaborative partnership of professionals (both commissioner and provider) working in a coordinated manner, unconstrained by existing professional and organisational boundaries to ensure patient-focused high quality, effective, equitable services."
The Network is designed to:
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Increase access to sexual health services for patients and for patients to have a choice of services and access,
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Provide good information on Sexually Transmitted Infections and Services on the Island,
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Give advice and support on safer sex
The national strategy described three levels of provision for the development of a comprehensive service. Implementation of the levels (outlined briefly below) aims to deliver the following benefits:
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Increased access to sexual health services for patients
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Targeting of sexual health services where most needed
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A more effective approach for professionals sharing and accessing the same information
The network will work to support the development of sexual health services across the Island in line with the national sexual health and HIV strategy.
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A more effective approach for professionals sharing and accessing the same information,
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Continue consistent standards of care.
The network is following the Department of Health guidelines and the Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health.
Implementing a network is a way of formalising what we are doing everywhere in the NHS - working together to provide effective services for patients. Clinical networks facilitate a coordinated approach to service delivery across a larger population and help to break down barriers and engender teamwork.
Network website: www.wish-net.co.uk
Network contact: Miss Randip Arack, randip.arack@iow.nhs.uk, tel. 01983 814302