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I'm a pelvic and oncology physio - MANY of my patients will only go to Options for sexual health and PAP tests as they've endured sexual trauma/rape/childhood sexual abuse and the guarantee of a woman physician/NP opens the door for them to receive those services. A number of male GPs here send their patients to Opt for PAP tests. When my patients' voices haven't been heard regarding pelvic (bladder, bowel, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain) issues with their GP, they've felt comfortable going to Opt for help. A woman GP or NP listening to a woman in a woman centric clinic is so helpful!
I'm not sure where I'd go get my pap tests, which I've needed to get every 6 months for the past 4 years. My GP is too far, and Options is so convenient for folks who live in the Metro Vancouver area.
The Vernon options clinic has been a vital source of care for me since moving to the area seven years ago. In the absence of a family doctor and the closure of local walk in clinics, this is the service that has enabled me to access birth control, pregnancy care referral, pap screening, and referral when I was diagnosed with early cervical cancer. The options clinic is far more than a sexual health clinic. It is an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure.
A whole community suffers with the loss of sexual health clinics. We are already short GPs and nurses, and this clinic is one place where women can go to for non-judgmental healthcare. The loss of this clinic will put additional strain on our other clinics and hospitals. Sexually transmitted diseases will increase. Women will have less contact options for leaving domestic abuse. Alternate (unsafe) abortions and sexual health advice will be sought. We need to expand / increase care resources, not shut them down or decrease funding.
We have many vulnerable youth in our practice who don't have access to primary care, and all of our local walk-in clinics have closed. Options for Sexual Health is, for many, the only way to access culturally sensitive reproductive health that prevents these youth from falling farther into poverty. It is essential that these services remain available in our more rural locations.
I was able to see a nurse and physician at Options in Vernon that had been dismissed by my family dr. Upon seeing the RN and Dr there, it was determined I needed an urgent referral to a gynecologist for pre-cancerous lesions. Had I not had the support of this clinic, this could have been missed entirely and could have lead to cancer. I am forever grateful to the clinic, the supportive and open environment and feel losing these clinics would be a huge loss to the community.
Options was the only option for me when I was without a family doctor. Closing these clinics would be a disservice to an already overloaded medical system.
I believe every women has the right to have access to services to maintain optimal health. Closing clinics and services take away the right to which we are entitled too.
I have been using Options since information moved to Vancouver. They have been so helpful and convenient. I've used them for all my gyno needs including my pregnancy. They provide an invaluable service!