Allied Healthcare has launched a specialized new service dedicated to women’s health and wellness, providing preventative care, medical consultations, health guidance, and ongoing personal support.
Speaking on the launch, Allied Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Cheri Sergeant emphasized that the facility aims to provide comfortable, affordable, and compassionate care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team includes a doctor specializing in gynecology, a nurse holding a bachelor’s in nursing education, and an antenatal and postnatal nurse with over a decade of community healthcare experience.
General Practitioner Dr. Runique Christopher highlighted the critical role of routine health screenings, noting that many diseases progress silently without early symptoms. According to Dr. Christopher, women often seek medical attention only after symptoms manifest, at which point care options become limited.
To combat this, the clinic offers comprehensive screening and care plans, including:
- Cancer and Infection Screenings: Early detection for conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, HPV, HTLV, and STIs. Dr. Christopher noted that cervical cancer screening is recommended starting at age 21.
- Reproductive & Maternal Health: Contraceptive services along with antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women.
- Chronic Disease Management: Treatment and monitoring for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
- Mental Health Checks: Routine wellness assessments to support psychological well-being.
Sergeant and Dr. Christopher both stressed that early diagnosis can be life-saving. Sergeant specifically addressed common hesitations around Pap smears, assuring patients that the routine swab takes approximately five minutes and is an uncomfortable rather than painful procedure when performed gently with appropriate equipment.
In addition to general medical consultations, Allied Healthcare offers several free services focused on psychological and social challenges. These complimentary services include teen counseling, teen mom counseling, teen pregnancy guidance, and domestic abuse support.
Addressing access for young patients, Sergeant clarified that individuals under 18 years of age do not necessarily need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive initial support. For minors experiencing sexual assault or domestic abuse at home, confidential consultations are available independently. In cases involving pregnancy under the legal age of consent, the clinic conducts initial consultations before following established protocols to involve a parent or guardian.
Registered Nurse Renee Combach explained that the clinic’s mission extends beyond physical treatments to address emotional trauma, violence, and difficult life circumstances.
“As nurses, we understand that sometimes the most important thing that we can offer is not a simple medication or procedure but a listening ear, a reassuring presence, and the assurance that someone cares,” Combach stated, emphasizing that women’s health encompasses prevention, understanding, and holistic care at every stage of life.
The new Allied Healthcare facility is located in Stoney Grounds, situated in the second gap on the left past the Stony Grounds Primary School. The clinic occupies the second house inside the gap, located next to Dr. Duncan’s Optic Solutions Clinic and two houses above Phil Mo’s mechanic shop. Women seeking further information regarding screening schedules or clinic services are encouraged to call the facility directly.
