A new integrated sexual health clinic for people in Ipswich will operate from the site of the former Ipswich Academy in Lindbergh Road, it has emerged.

The Orwell Clinic will bring together two existing centres in the town at Ipswich Hospital and Trotman Court, meaning patients can access all aspects of sexual health, including contraception, HIV care and testing for sexually transmitted infections, all in one location.

The news has come more than six months after it was announced that the lease on the sexual health clinic at Ipswich Hospital was coming to an end.

Matthew Winn, chief executive of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which manages sexual health services in Suffolk, is excited about the new facility, which will be opened this month.

He said: “This is great news for Ipswich residents. I’m delighted our plan to bring together sexual health services on one site has been successful, which will ensure the services are more efficient and accessible.

“I would like to thank Suffolk County Council in identifying a suitable location and providing the financial support and leadership to develop the new facility.”

Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, added: “I am pleased to see the opening of this new clinic, which provides integrated sexual health services under one roof.

“I am confident that, by working with Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust to bring together services in this way, we are securing a valuable community resource which will benefit local people.”

The clinic will be officially opened on Monday, May 19. Other clinics and services run by Suffolk sexual health services remain unaffected.

Patients are still being asked to contact the Suffolk Sexual Health central number the Ipswich service so they can get the most appropriate advice and be signposted to the best service for their needs.

For more information, call 0300 123 3650 or visit www.suffolksexualhealth.com