Three-tier referral system at Bridgwater college

Three levels of service are offered at Bridgwater college; thus maximising available resources. The college employs a full time health advisor, Fiona, who runs a drop-in service for students covering all aspects of health.

In practice, 50% of queries relate to sexual health. Students often attend the drop-in following one of Fiona’s tutorial sessions about sexual health.

A practice nurse from a local surgery attends the college one day a week. She can prescribe emergency contraception and the contraceptive pill. She also runs a service called ‘need a doc?’, organising same day appointments with a Doctor at the local surgery. Importantly, it doesn’t matter if the young person is registered at the practice or not.

The Doctor is able to provide long-acting methods of contraception including injections and implants.

Contact: Fiona Anderson, Health Advisor
E-mail:  andersonf@bridgwater.ac.uk