ONE of the largest GP practices in Walthamstow has today (November 1) finally begun offering contraception to patients after protests from campaigners.

Some doctors at Addison Road Medical Centre in Walthamstow previously refused to offer family planning services on religious grounds.

But a u-turn was announced by health bosses in June following pressure from campaigners, along with concerns being raised by the All-Parliamentary Group on Sexual Health and Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy.

However the change in policy has only come into force this week.

Campaign group Women of Walthamstow (Wowstow) is now urging women to chronicle their experiences of accessing such services in the borough ahead of a public meeting on Friday December 7.

Ms Creasy is appealing for women to act as "secret shoppers" and wants them to get in contact about their experiences. Visit www.workingforwalthamstow.org.uk for more information.

Wowstow spokeswoman Jenny Lennox said there were still concerns that access to sexual health services was patchy in Walthamstow.

She said: “We are really pleased that the Addison Road practice is at long last prepared to offer contraceptive services, as it’s such a large practice...

“But we are concerned that this isn’t just an issue for women at the Addison Road practice, and that women elsewhere in the borough are finding it difficult to get the advice and support they need to make informed choices about contraception."

The venue of the public meeting is yet to be confirmed.