WARRINGTON is setting the pace in screening for sexually transmitted diseases among young people.
More than 20 per cent of 15-24 year olds in the borough – around 4,989 people – were tested for Chlamydia last year, ranking Warrington 22nd out of 125 in England and third in the North West.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. It can leave women infertile and cause painful health problems in men and women unless it is simply and quickly treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
Dr Rita Robertson, Warrington’s director of Public Health said: “It is important to recognise the work that has gone into this campaign to raise awareness among the 15 to 24 year old age group about preventative and treatment action, as well as break down the stigma associated with STI’s. We are making significant progress and will continue to build on this success in order to achieve the 2009/10 target of 25 per cent.”
NHS Warrington, together with Halton and St Helens PCTs, commissioned the Terrence Higgins Trust to deliver a comprehensive screening service across both areas. Their role, in addition to screening treatment and partner notification, is to provide outreach services in areas where young people gather. This included colleges, bars, nightclubs and the local rugby club.
Melissa Briscoe, the Terrence Higgins Trust’s regional delivery manager for the North of England, said: “We’re pleased to have encouraged so many young people in Warrington to take a Chlamydia test. This is a great start on bringing infection rates down in the region, but we still need more people to come forward if we’re to significantly reduce undiagnosed Chlamydia.
“A lot of young people assume that taking an STI test is painful or embarrassing, but these days it can all be done through a urine sample, with the results in a week. We hope that, by showing young people how easy it is, they will not only be encouraged to come back for repeat testing each year, but will also encourage their mates to take the test.”
Screening for sex diseases
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
