The shake-up of a sexual health service “left patients in limbo” as clinics are moved out of Southend Hospital, Unison claimed.

Southend Council this week launched the new sexual health clinic, delivered by social enterprise company Provide and aimed at widening the service it provides. Clinical staff have been moved from the hospital to Thamesgate House in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Provide, which says it reinvests profits back into the business, has a turnover of £67million providing healthcare services across the eastern region. Transferred staff have been promised the same conditions of work, but public service union Unison said consultation on the changes had been badly handled.

Caroline Hennessy, Unison regional organiser Caroline Hennessy, said: “Staff will still have the same protections as other NHS workers and Unison will continue to support them through the transfer and under their new employers. But this constant NHS reorganisation is damaging to both staff and the public who rely on our health service. Commissioners can’t hide the fact they’ve handled this consultation poorly.

“As little as two weeks ago staff had no idea where to send patients desperate for sexual health advice because the consultation process was such a mess.”

Former consultant haematologist, Norman Traub, spokesman for the Southend Keep the NHS Public campaign group said: “This is a crucial service, which if not delivered correctly could blight lives. It should not be left to a company whose main concern ultimately will always be profit. People will worry this service is not in an NHS setting which has a very strict ethos with regards to patient confidentiality and care.”

Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “The new Southend Sexual Health Service is committed to delivering a modern, confidential, sensitive and professional service for the residents of Southend. People who use these services will still be able to access the advice, tests and treatments they need and with faster results.”