Sexual Health Network Beds & Herts. Kate Hedge senior nurse Watford sexual health centre & network coordinator

Network ‘A closely connected group of people, companies, etc that exchange information’. Oxford dictionary.

Networks ‘Working together can deliver more than the individual parts can working alone’ (DH 2009)

The sexual health network The network comprises of sexual health specialist doctors, nurses, health advisers, PCT representatives and HPA staff from Beds and Herts. The aims of the network include rolling out good practice, providing professional support and acting as a resource for those commissioning and providing sexual health services.

Challenges for networks Time Distance Commitment Personalities

Solution – On line networking Being part of on line network allows members to connect to others at a time convenient to them. The on line platform promotes wide membership and full participation from members from all sectors of sexual health care. Is cost effective as it is time efficient.

Benefits of on-line networking Make connections with a range of professionals working within the specialty outside your geographical area Identify common issues/themes Make best use of on-line discussion forum to debate issues - asking questions and seeking solutions to problems Easily and effectively disseminate information Access the specific sector groups via the main network Be part of a drive to provide more cohesive sexual health services across two counties

Network address A-Z networks, click ‘S’ for sexual health, Find sexual health network Beds and Herts on 2 nd page

Next steps….. Register Get yourself on the map Get involved A network relies on its members for success…