Release date: 21 December 2006
– Christmas Opening Hours Announced –
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) has said that almost 10% of its clients who sought sexual health screens in October tested positive for Chlamydia. This figure was released today (21.12.06) as the IFPA announced its Christmas Opening Times.
“The reported numbers of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) are continuing to increase,” said Niall Behan, Chief Executive of the IFPA. “Our figures for October represent a 2% increase on the previous month and our concern is that unless sexually active people practice safer sex this figure will continue to rise.
“During the partying season people should think twice before engaging in unprotected sex if their partner’s sexual health status is unknown. If they do decide to have sex, they should use a condom as this provides the most reliable means of protection against most sexually transmitted infections when used properly.”
Throughout the festive season free condoms are available in the IFPA’s clinics in Cathal Brugha Street and the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght.
The IFPA is also urging people to consider the emergency contraception pill to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
“The emergency contraception pill is a safe and effective backup which can prevent pregnancy if the condom breaks or you have unprotected sex. With normal routines disturbed over the holidays, women may unintentionally miss one or more contraception pills in which case they may need to talk to their doctor about emergency contraception,” Niall Behan advised.
The clinics will be closed on Christmas Day, St. Stephens’s Day and New Year’s Day. The table below shows the Christmas opening hours for the Tallaght and Cathal Brugha Street Clinics.
2006/2007 – TALLAGHT
Sunday 24th Dec:10.00am – 1.00pm
Monday 25th Dec: Closed
Tuesday 26th Dec.: Closed
Wednesday 27th Dec: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday 28th Dec: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Friday 29th Dec: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday 30th Dec: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 31st Dec: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Mon 1st Jan: Closed
2006/2007 – CATHAL BRUGHA STREET
Sunday 24th Dec.: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Monday 25th Dec: Closed
Tuesday 26th Dec: Closed
Wednesday 27th Dec: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Thursday 28th Dec: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Friday 29th Dec: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Saturday 30th Dec: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Sunday 31st Dec: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Mon 1st Jan: Closed
The Board and Staff of the IFPA would like to wish all our friends and clients the warmest of wishes for the holiday season and New Year.