A first-of-its-kind mobile clinic is revolutionizing access to women’s healthcare by bringing long-acting reversible contraception straight to Hampshire’s doorsteps. Mid Hampshire Healthcare’s (MHH) Roving LARC Bus rolled out last month, offering coil and implant fittings in community spaces rather than traditional clinics, eliminating waits of months for appointments.
Clinical lead Justine Curran said the service directly targets women facing barriers such as rural isolation, childcare constraints, or work schedules that prevent clinic visits. “Women shouldn’t have to choose between their responsibilities and essential healthcare,” Curran said. “This mobile unit puts services where people live and work.”
Key Points
- ⚡ First mobile LARC clinic in Hampshire, one of the few in the UK
- ✅ Women under 55 can self-refer without a GP appointment
- 💡 Services include coils, implants, and catch-up vaccinations
The bus, fully equipped with clinical facilities, operates at 12 fixed locations weekly, rotating between community centers, supermarket car parks, and university campuses. Hampshire County Council approved £180,000 in start-up funding, with MHH covering operational costs through partnerships with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW-ICB) and Kidney Care UK.
| Service | Traditional Clinic | Roving LARC Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Up to 6 months | Same-day or next-day |
| Location | Fixed hospital/clinic | 12 rotating community sites |
| Referral | GP required for under-55s | Self-referral accepted |
Lead nurse Su Wiggins described how the bus’s flexible schedule and familiar settings—often near coffee shops or public toilets—reduce anxiety for patients. “We’ve had women tell us they’ve postponed care for years because clinics felt intimidating,” Wiggins said. “This changes everything.”
📋 Service Impact
- 1,200 — Contraceptive implants fitted in first two months
- 85% — Patients report feeling “much more comfortable” accessing care
Beyond contraception, the bus supports HPV and meningitis catch-up programs and screens for chronic kidney disease via the SPOT CKD initiative. MHH is also piloting a Freshers’ Week tour at the University of Southampton, offering reproductive health resources to students. While women are the primary focus, the service provides vasectomy procedures for men across Hampshire and Frimley South.
💡 Pro Tip
Check the MHH website for the bus’s weekly schedule—locations are updated every Sunday for the following week, with some sites offering evening appointments.
MHH’s broader mission includes embedding patient-centered care into community health, a model now being studied by NHS England for potential rollout in other regions. “This isn’t just about convenience,” Curran said. “It’s about redesigning healthcare so no one is left behind.”
