The impact of COVID-19 on sexual health services in the UK

Abstract

It has been challenging for nurses working in sexual and reproductive health services in the UK due to the significant organisational changes in the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic led to more challenges at a global level for staff and clients, including redeployment of staff, the closing of specialist clinics and lack of access for those at risk of sexually transmitted infection on a global scale. Despite the pandemic lockdowns, people did not stop engaging in sexual activity, highlighting the importance of ensuring availability of sexual and reproductive health services, and possible increases in rates of infection. There is a need to evaluate the existing service and explore how we can deliver accessible, equitable and high-quality sexual health services in the future.