WOMEN’S sexual health clinics could be restored to Dunoon within weeks if funding and operating practices can be agreed.
The potential breakthrough has come after sustained calls and a petition raised by a patient to fix a growing problem.
Now, Argyll Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has activated a plan to launch a temporary managed service model delivered by HSCP-employed staff and based at Cowal Community Hospital.
The HSCP has confirmed several enabling steps are now complete and it is finalising referral mechanisms ahead of formal governance sign-off and ratification. “We expect to have a clearer view of an operational start date in the coming weeks.”
Jillian Dominick, who raised the petition for action, said she welcomed the move but wants a long-term, permanent solution rather than a short-term quick fix.
Dunoon Councillor Ross Moreland said: “Clearing the backlog of cases and providing these services is of vital importance and I hope that a start date can be announced soon.”
He added: “I am glad that the HSCP has acted quickly to try and find a solution to the ongoing problem of a lack of sexual health services in Cowal.
“There is still a need for a long-term fix to this problem and this will need to come about in conjunction with the Scottish Government. Myself and my colleagues on the HSCP will continue to push for a fair funding settlement for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care to allow us to deliver these vital services.”
Jillian Dominick sounded the alarm when she learned she could not have a coil procedure in Dunoon.
“I was advised I’d have to travel to Arrochar, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead or Lochgoilhead. I think it is unacceptable there is no continuing clinic in Dunoon.
“My thoughts were clear. I ran some checks. Lochgilphead was not viable. Helensburgh was a four-month wait. Lochgoilhead at that time was the end of June. There was no availability in Tarbert and Strachur was not accepting any new patients,” she said.
It turned out Arrochar was the best available option and she was seen in a couple of weeks.
Jillian was fortunate that her father could drive her there and back. “I couldn’t drive myself because you could black out up to three hours after the procedure,” she explained. Jillian said she got more concerned because this solution is clearly not available to everybody.
She also checked out going privately. That would cost almost £1,000.
At one point in this whole process, Jillian was referred to the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow. “That was no good because they’re not taking referrals from outside Glasgow, so that didn’t work,” she said.
The HSCP has now picked up on that point and a spokesman said: “I am aware that some individuals have been signposted to Sandyford in Glasgow; however, this is not a recognised or funded pathway. We have reinforced communications with GP practices to minimise the risk of misdirection and ask partners engaging with communities to support consistent messaging.”
The spokesman added: “We will shortly be delivering engagement sessions in Cowal to help shape a future service model. Grant funding has also been agreed to support engagement with local youth groups as key partners in the design process.”
Cllr Moreland noted that thanks must go to Jillian Dominick and the Dunoon Community Council for raising this issue.
