CHECK Nord #2

Dr. Silke Woelken-Weckmüller
SEXUAL HEALTH
COUNSELING CENTER
has moved to new premises
ENGLISH
Dr. Kerstin Schnelle
The counseling center for sexually transmitted infections and
HIV in the Lübeck Health Department moved to new premises
at the beginning of May. From now on, employees are offering
anonymous counseling and examinations on HIV, syphilis,
hepatitis A, B and C as well as chlamydia and gonococci at
Sophienstrasse 19-21 on the first floor, access via the inner
courtyard.
Bianca Laubach
Kirsten Reese
In addition to the inhouse services,
the team at the counseling center
has also expanded from two
counsellors to two doctors, a social
pedagogue, and a medical assistant
in a modern and, above all, discreet
atmosphere.
VISITS CAN BE RESUMED
The city can now do even better justice
to its mandate set out in the Infection
Protection Act thanks to the
expanded range of services. Being
one single unit, the new premises
can offer the desired anonymity. The
increase in staff means that visits
can be resumed and infection protection
tasks in the area of ​hepatitis
B and C counseling and testing and,
if desired, vaccination can be taken
care of.
Counseling is available free of
charge to everyone, especially people
with an increased risk of danger
such as men who have sex with
men (MSM) or female sexworkers
(FSW). On request, inexpensive
testing for HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections and, if
necessary, a vaccination against
hepatitis A and B can be offered
after the consultation in addition to
the known standard vaccinations.
“The aim is to prevent the spread
of sexually transmitted infections
while at the same time helping infected
people to receive treatment
as quickly as possible through an
early diagnosis,” explains Dr. Silke
Woelken-Weckmüller, a doctor in
the team. “Above all, anonymity is of
great importance because this topic
is still not established in society.”
This is particularly problematic
because these infections can go
undetected for a long time due to
the rare occurrence of symptoms.
“Precautionary testing, even if
there is the slightest suspicion,
is therefore an important preventive
component for maintaining
health and can prevent long-term
consequences,” adds Dr. Kerstin
Schnelle, who is also a doctor in the
team. “We know that there is still
a great need for education about
sexually transmitted infections and,
by being able to provide anonymity,
we help citizens to turn to us with
confidence. Prejudice-free and
respectful counseling goes without
saying.”
Open consultations are available
Tuesdays between 9:00 and 12:00
and Thursdays between 14:00 and
17:00 as usual without prior appointment.
Appointments outside of office
hours can be arranged. (ts,mb)
CHECK NORD #2
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