PUBLIC meetings are being held to discuss proposed money-saving changes to the way family planning services are provided in mid Essex.
Family planning services for both adults and young people are being looked at as part of efforts by Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust, Chelmsford Primary Care Trust, and the Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust, to make £220,000 savings.
The care trusts, which merge in this month to form the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust, will inherit a £17 million debt.
The consultation process will look into completely cutting the adult family planning services or reduce the number of clinics.
Clinics are held at St Michael's Hospital, Braintree, the Witham Health Clinic, the Central Clinic in Chelmsford, the Springfield Green clinic, the Maldon clinic, the Burnham clinic and the South Woodham Ferrers Clinic.
Services offered by these clinics include sexual health screening, counselling and termination of pregnancy referrals, smear tests, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and information on drug and alcohol issues as well as many others.
Young persons' family planning services are also under review to ensure the service meets the needs of the users and identify any areas for improvement.
Two public meetings in Chelmsford will be held, on October 31, 7pm, at St Cedd's Chapter House and November 6 at midday at St Cedd's Chancellor Room.
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