A SEXUAL health service in Wirral has been rated “outstanding” following an inspection.

During a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection the Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust was rated ‘Good’ overall and within this, Sexual Health Wirral received an ‘Outstanding’ rating, the highest possible rating from CQC.

Funded by Wirral Council Public Health, Sexual Health Wirral were rated outstanding overall, with the services’ responsiveness and leadership particularly applauded.

Cllr Janette Williamson, Chair of Wirral’s Adult Social Care and Health committee, said: “It’s great news that our public health commissioned sexual health services have received such a positive rating in this recent inspection, especially noting that the dedicated staff are committed to increasing accessibility and inclusion.

“The report says that the service is committed to reducing health inequalities, with staff continually looking at ways to improve access to the service. It also states that staff had an understanding and awareness of the links between sexual health, poverty, disability, and social exclusion."

In the report, inspectors stated that the service “planned and provided care in a way that met the needs of local people and the communities served” and “was inclusive and took account of patients’ individual needs and preferences”.

It also highlighted how staff made “reasonable adjustments” to help patients access services and “gave patients practical support and advice to lead healthier lives”.

Cllr Williamson said: “Providing a non-judgemental sexual health service that responds to the needs of our communities and individuals is vital and I’d like to congratulate the staff who make that vision a reality in Wirral day in, day out.”

The Trust is one of the largest providers commissioned by Public Health to deliver services. The Community Sexual Health Service which was recently re-awarded a contract in December 2023 following a successful tender application process.

Karen Howell OBE, Chief Executive at the Trust said: “This CQC report reflects the outstanding care we deliver every day, the essential role of community services and it is fantastic news for those who use our services, all our staff and the partners we are proud to work with.”

CQC inspected the community health services for adults and community sexual health services to monitor the progress of improvements that leaders were told to make following a previous inspection.