New abortion clinic expands reproductive choice in Cornwall
As COVID-19 continues to restrict movement, MSI Reproductive Choices is opening a new clinic in Cornwall offering greater access to NHS-funded early medical abortion.
The leading safe abortion provider will open a new abortion clinic in the heart of St Austell at the end of April, giving anyone seeking early medical abortion care in the county greater flexibility in both the timing and location of their treatment, reducing waiting times and expanding choice.
The clinic, commissioned by NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group, offers weekly face-to-face appointments every Tuesday from 8am to 6pm, complementing existing services provided by Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
While MSI’s award-winning telemedicine service will enable eligible patients to consult with a nurse over a phone or video call at a time that is convenient, and take both medical abortion pills in the comfort of their own homes.
Richard Bentley, MSI Reproductive Choices’ UK managing director said:
“Choice is fundamental to everything we do, and our new clinic and telemedicine service mean that people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will be able to access timely, compassionate abortion care and advice, without the added stress and difficulties of organizing travel further afield. Anyone who prefers or needs surgical abortion will also have access to MSI’s state of the art centre in Bristol.”
The new clinic, situated in St Austell Community Hospital, provides a confidential, easily accessible setting that respects patients’ dignity and privacy. Anyone seeking abortion care will also be offered the full range of contraception methods, as well as STI screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.
John Groom, NHS Kernow’s director of planned care and integrated care, said:
“The new clinic in St Austell builds upon the services already in place that give women a greater choice and decisions about their health, as close to home as possible.”
In addition to the highly rated care and support provided by the clinic’s nursing staff, MSI’s 24-hour helpline One Call (0345 300 8090) provides advice and consultations, with same day appointments available.
While, an online chat service allows patients to consult quickly, confidentially and safely without the need to ring.
Unlimited counselling with independent counsellors registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy is also available as part of the abortion treatment.
Notes to Editors
MSI’s St Austell clinic is situated in the St Austell Community Hospital, Porthpean Road, St. Austell, PL26 6AA. Patients can also access alternative clinics across the South West region or from MSI’s locations around the country. The decision to commission the service was made prior to the pre-election period or purdah and NHS Kernow will not be providing interviews.
For further information or interviews with MSI spokespeople please contact:
Name: Kylie Harrison
Email: press@msichoices.org
Telephone: 07769166 516
Or visit our website at: www.msichoices.org.uk
About MSI Reproductive Choices
MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the UK’s leading providers of safe abortion and vasectomy. We believe that everyone has the right to make choices about their own body and future. Team members throughout our network of more than 60 clinics and confidential helpline, provide high quality, compassionate care to women and men, when and where they need them.
