Sexual health checks at surgeries
Last updated at 15:55, Thursday, 26 May 2011
PATIENTS at more than 50 GPs’ surgeries across Cumbria can now get sexual health treatment and checks in the same way that they would get any other appointment.
A large number of surgeries in the county now have a GP or practice nurse who can offer appointments to carry out a range of sexual health checks, offer advice and provide treatment.
The services on offer include testing and treatment for common sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), contraceptive advice and in some surgeries fitting of coils and contraceptive implants.
GPs and also practice nurses can carry out tests for common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, genital herpes, syphilis and genital warts.
These are usually carried out via a urine test, blood test, by examination or via a swab.
Practices offering the sexual health and contraceptive services will display ‘Ask Your GP’ posters.
Patients wishing to book an appointment to discuss contraception or to get tested for STI’s can request an appointment with the GP or nurse who specialises in sexual health at reception. Information will also be available in surgeries stating which doctor or nurse specialises in sexual health so patients can make an appointment discreetly.
Dr Peter Weaving is the lead GP for Carlisle.
He said: “Now if anyone is worried that they might have a sexually-transmitted infection, or if they simply want a full sexual health check up, it’s even easier, as a large number of patients can just visit their usual GP surgery.
“Many GP surgeries are able to treat and test for sexually-transmitted infections and offer contraceptive advice.
These surgeries have a GP or practice nurse who has undergone further specialist training.’’
And he added: “We hope that by making patients aware that they can get sexual health and contraception issues dealt with quickly and easily at the GP surgery they are used to visiting, then more people will get checked regularly and think about their sexual health, rather than just waiting until they think they have a problem.”
First published at 15:02, Thursday, 26 May 2011
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
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