Y W8 2C A GP?

Young people can text questions to health professionals and get advice back in an innovative outreach to Birkenhead's generation X.

The scheme is part of the Young People's Health Awareness Clinics which will try to improve every aspect of teenage lifestyle with counselling and advice.

Co-ordinator John Haddow stresses it is better to come to the clinics in person, but texting is another way to encourage reluctant teenagers to consult health professionals.

Mr Haddow said: "Some may find it easier to text a confidential and personal message by typing it in rather than looking into someone's eyes and talking about something that could be embarrassing."

If texting takes off, then it is hoped a computer system will be brought in to deal with demand. Schools and colleges will also be asked to promote the clinics.

The pilot scheme is based on the success of St George's Medical Centre and their confidential adolescent service in Wallasey. The scheme has attracted international attention with a similar clinic planned in Norway.

More than 1,000 young people have used the Wallasey service in its first 12 months.

Co-ordinator Doreen Phoenix said: "One of our most successful aspects is that we work very closely with schools and we ask young people what they want from the service."

Funding comes from a number of independent sources including New Wallasey Regeneration, but Mrs Phoenix says it is still a problem.

The Birkenhead clinics for teenagers are at Claughton Medical Centre, Tuesdays 4pm-5.30pm; Miriam Medical Centre, Mondays, 4pm-5pm; Moreton Cross Group Practice, Tuesdays, 4pm-5.30pm; Moreton Health Clinic, Thursdays, 4pm-5pm; and Leasowe Primary Care Centre, times to be decided.

The text number is 07890-123-456-789.

The Confidential Adolescent Service at St George's Medical Centre is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 4pm and 6pm.

* For those who are not 'text aware', the headline reads: Why wait to see GP?