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Sex and Relationships Clinic (SARC), Newcastle

The clinic aims to enable people with neurological problems and / or their partners to access help for sex and / or relationship difficulties. It combines expertise in sexual and relationship problems with expertise in neurological disability. It educates health and social care professionals in identifying sex and relationship problems and in dealing with them appropriately, and also educates staff, patients and partners in the broader meaning of sexuality and how to address problems in this area. It also promotes a healthy life style with regard to sexual and relationship functioning.

The service offers a Nurse-led Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Clinic offering assessment, treatment and counselling to patients and partners, psychosexual counselling, and relationship counselling which is provided by two Psychosexual Medicine trained Rehabilitation Physicians. Sexuality and sexual expression is understood within the context of relationships, therefore the service is open to partners as well as individuals. The P-LI-SS-IT model (Annon J 1976 'The behavioural treatment of sexual problems: Brief Therapy.' New York, Harper and Row) is used in clinical practice, and as a valuable teaching tool.

Protocols have been developed for the use of drugs within the ED clinic; patient group directions are followed by the Clinical Nurse Specialist; a good nursing document for assessment has been developed.

This service addresses some of the 'hidden' problems associated with neurological disease or trauma with the aim of enabling people to lead a 'full life in the community'. The role of teaching and education is taken very seriously by the SARC staff and this has improved clinical effectiveness by enabling many other rehabilitation staff to address sex and relationship issues, knowing they can refer more complex issues to the clinic. For some people their main contact with rehabilitation professionals is through Social Services. Because of this, sex and relationship awareness and teaching has been extended to social services staff and carers.

For more information about the project please contact: Dr Barbara Chandler, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Centre for Neurological Rehabilitation and Neuro-Psychiatry, Walkergate Park, Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4QD
Tel: 0191 287 5114; Email:

• Barbara.Chandler@ntw.nhs.uk (opens new window)
• Doreen.Wright@ntw.nhs.uk
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