Sexually Transmitted Infections: Screening

(asked on 22nd February 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what representations he has received in the last 12 months on the closure of physical clinics providing testing for sexually transmitted infections; what plans he has to encourage the use of online and postal testing services for sexually-transmitted infections; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Steve Brine Portrait
Steve Brine
This question was answered on 27th February 2019

We have identified one item of correspondence received since 1 February 2018 about the closure of physical clinics providing testing for sexually-transmitted infections. This figure represents correspondence received by the Department’s Ministerial correspondence unit only.

The Government has mandated local authorities to commission comprehensive open access sexual health services, including sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. Local authorities are utilising technology, such as online and postal testing services for sexually-transmitted infections, to manage lower risk and asymptomatic patients. As these services develop, they also have the potential to reach groups not currently engaged with clinic services. The expansion of digital services increases patient choice and service accessibility but local authorities must still meet their open access mandate and ensure that appropriate walk-in and appointment only physical services are still available to anyone wishing to use them.

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