Free health care for teenagers urged

Teenagers should be given free access to primary healthcare, according to a report commissioned by 10 health boards.

The report, which was published at a conference on adolescent health in Galway yesterday, also recommends that health boards should develop sexual health services targeted specifically at adolescents.

Over 130 young people were consulted about the document which contains over 180 recommendations. Although young people are by and large in good health, early detection and treatment of problems that arise will prevent more serious problems developing later on, according to the authors.

The report places a strong emphasis on improving the mental health of young people, provision of better services for young people with long-term health problems, health and lifestyles, injury prevention, the health of minorities and educational disadvantage. It takes into account the rise in reported suicide among younger men in particular, and the fact that research shows that young men are reluctant to seek help when they have emotional problems.

The young people consulted for the study said that they would like to see health services that are flexible, confidential, accessible and staffed with well-trained people.