CROYDON has the highest rate of repeat terminations in the UK, with half of all procedures being carried out for women who have previously had an abortion.

A new report has blamed poor access to sexual health services and says more work needs to be done with women at most risk of unwanted pregnancies, including teenagers, ethnic minorities and sex workers.

The latest figures show there were 1,846 NHS funded abortions in Croydon in 2010.

This equates to 27.9 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, compared to 25.7 in London and 17.6 in England and Wales.

Of these procedures, 50 per cent were repeat abortions – 9 per cent more than in London and 16 per cent more than in England and Wales.

Health experts have been unable to explain why repeat termination rates are highest in Croydon and have launched an urgent "deep dive" investigation.

Abortion levels occur disproportionately within Croydon's diverse communities, with a rate of 75.7 per 1,000 among women from Black African communities in 2009. Rates are also higher in deprived areas.

A study by Croydon Shadow Health Watch, an independent group representing patients, found repeat abortions could be linked to issues such as teenage pregnancy, poor access to sexual health services, contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

It criticised sex education in schools and said women who had terminations were not always offered pre-abortion counselling.

Eight women and one couple, each with a history of at least one termination, shared their experiences of Croydon's abortion service as part of the study.

When asked what changes needed to be made to services, one participant said: "Appointments, more staff, more promotion, good customer care, definitely, and more knowledgeable staff who can find the services you need and who are up-to-date with information."

Another described the lack of care after her termination.

"I woke up with a bruise on my chest and I called them to find out what happened and nobody could tell me," she explained. "There was no record of it, and there was a massive bruise on my breast."

The report described how the abortion process left most women "hurt, sad and depressed".

It added: "All the participants reported feeling judged by their service providers, wanted better counselling and contraception services from caring staff.

"They also required more information and education about the abortion process, contraceptive range and sexually transmitted infections."

Shadow Health Watch recommended reducing waiting times on accessing contraception for women over 25 and an audit of accessible services.

NHS South West London, which manages the region's five primary care trusts, said extensive work was being done to improve sexual health care.

A spokeswoman explained: "Any criticisms are being taken on board. We do not fully understand why the rates of repeat abortions are higher in Croydon.

"We have been working with voluntary groups on this topic by conducting focus groups with local service users.

"Through this we have been able to uncover some of the reasons local women are having repeat abortions.

"We will be ready to report on the findings in the next few weeks."

NHS South West London, in partnership with Croydon Council, has launched a detailed assessment and investigation into the quality of sexual health services in a bid to explain the borough’s high termination rate.

There are already a range of sexual health services available in the borough, including Croydon Centre for Sexual Health, based in Croydon University Hospital.

Patients can access information, testing and treatment about sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraception and condoms. A similar service is available at Parkway Health Centre, in New Addington.

General practices and most pharmacies offer emergency hormonal contraception.

There is also provision for vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, rape and sexual assault victims and refugees.

The main provider of abortion services in Croydon is Marie Stopes International. Call 0845 300 8090 or e-mail services@mariestopes.org.uk