FHSA in Wales trains receptionists and practice nurses

Local health strategies had identified training for GP and clinic receptionists as a way to help meet targets on reducing unwanted teenage pregnancy and sexual health. As the "gateway" to the surgery, receptionists have a vital part to play in making young people feel welcome. The practice nurse is also a frontline contact person, often being the first health professional that a young person sees. Gwynedd Family Health Services Authority asked the FPA (Family Planning Association) to provide a pilot course for a group of receptionists and practice nurses to address their awareness of young people's needs. The two-day course covered legal issues, such as contraception and the under-16s, as well as looking at young people's feelings about relationships, sexuality, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and risk-taking. Participants worked on communication skills and came up with practical ways of making their practice more approachable for young people. The course concluded with the enthusiastic compiling of action plans to take back for discussion with practice managers. Suggestions included: using more empathy when dealing with teenagers requesting emergency contraception; having a supply of condoms in the surgery; displaying more leaflets in the surgery; stressing that advice is available specifically for young people in the practice leaflet; trying to encourage more teenage boys to come in; starting a teenage clinic. Evaluation forms showed that participants found the course "very enjoyable and informative," and that it gave an "excellent insight into the law." "Most invaluable," commented one participant, "I have certainly learned a great deal about young people and their sexual behavior." Further courses are now planned as part of a rolling program for other receptionists and practice nurses in the Gwynedd area.