Two new clinics join the VSHN

Young Street Medical and Dental and The Peninsula Medical and Dental are the latest to onboard to the VSHN, bringing the number of networked clinics up to 12.

The network is made up of GPs from around the state who partner with Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), a world leader in sexual health research and clinical care, ensuring their clinical practice is founded on the best available evidence.

Frankston Medical and Dental General Practitioner Dr Brandon Yeo said his clinic is genuinely excited about the new partnership.

“For many of our patients, accessing sexual health care has previously meant navigating long waitlists, travelling long distances to specialist centres, or facing environments that don't always feel affirming,” Dr Yeo said.

“As a VSHN outpost, we can now offer that same standard of evidence-based, non-judgemental sexual health care in a local, familiar, trusted setting with a GP who already knows them.”

Affiliated clinics undergo specialised training by MSHC and have direct lines to specialist support for complex cases. Joining the VSHN enables clinics to provide services such as STI screening, treatment, prevention, and education closer to home, often with shorter wait times and greater continuity of care.

“That continuity matters enormously, particularly for patients managing ongoing sexual health needs like PrEP, or those who've had difficult experiences with healthcare in the past,” Dr Yeo said.

Practice Manager at Peninsula Medical and Dental Dianne Robertson said the ability to access such services close to home is an essential component of community health.

“We know this can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, better health outcomes and improved overall wellbeing for our patients,” Dianne said.

Director of Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Prof Jason Ong said he is pleased to see the Victorian Sexual Health Network expand and go from strength to strength.

“We’re thrilled to see the network grow, as well as the positive reception and uptake the services have had,” Prof Ong said.

“It demonstrates a clear need that, together with local GP clinics, we’ve been able to meet.

“Our hope is that we continue to grow the network, to help more people get tested and treated, and to take away the stigma around this aspect of health.”

If you live along Melbourne’s peninsula and are looking to access care closer to home, Dr Yeo said either of the new networked clinics are a fantastic option.

“Come to us first,” Dr Yeo said.

“You don't need to travel into the city or wait for a specialist appointment.

"Both clinics are 100 percent bulk billing for sexual health check-ups and treatment.

“If your situation does require specialist input, we have referral pathways to MSHC to make that as smooth as possible.

“You'll be in safe hands either way, but we'd love to be your first point of contact.”

View the full list of VSHN-affiliated GP clinics