AN emergency contraception card is to be relaunched in schools across Fareham and Gosport.

The 72-hour priority access card has already been used more than 100 times since it was first introduced in 2002.

Now health bosses are reminding teenagers of the project.

The 72-hour card relates to the period of time emergency contraception will be effective.

The idea of the card is to encourage young people to use their own GP surgery for contraceptive advice.

By presenting the card discreetly at the reception desk, young people do not have to explain to the receptionist why they wish to be seen, and will be offered an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

It recognises young people's reluctance to use their GP surgery for contraceptive advice because they fear being asked questions at reception.

The scheme is a joint initiative between Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust, Teenage Pregnancy Advisory, Hampshire County Council, Connexions, Sex Sense, Health Promotion and School Nursing as part of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy.