Published Friday 12 August 2016 at 16:29
New data has revealed a continuing improvement to the sexual health of residents in Blackburn with Darwen.
The sexual and reproductive health data – recently released by Public Health England – provides a snapshot of sexual and reproductive health across a range of indicator areas including teenage pregnancy, contraception, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Blackburn with Darwen was shown to be performing well on a number of those indicators including:
- Lower than average STI diagnostic rates, with rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea diagnosis among the lowest in the country.
- An upturn in performance of the chlamydia detection rate for those people aged 15-24.
- A further reduction in teenage pregnancy rates, which means Blackburn with Darwen is one of the most improved authorities since records began in 1998.
A new contract for providing sexual health services in Blackburn with Darwen was awarded to Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust from April 2016.
Under the new contract advice, information, targeted and specialist interventions to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception services are provided. The model of delivery also promotes healthy relationships, improved sexual and general health, with positive emotional wellbeing as a normal expectation for people of all ages. In addition advocacy and social care support are being provided by a sub contracted arrangement with Healthier Living to ensure support for those who live with diagnosed HIV.
Lancashire Care Foundation Trust are also overseeing a contract with Brook, the young people’s sexual health and wellbeing charity, to complement specific support for young people. This ensures early intervention and prevention as a priority, as well as continued access to specialised contraception, STI treatment, advice and testing services.
Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
I am very encouraged by these results. Whilst we acknowledge that we have had good local sexual health services for both young people and adults in Blackburn with Darwen for a number of years, we aspire to see continuous improvement in the quality of that provision which also needs to provide innovation and ‘value for money’ as we buy these services on behalf of our local residents. By having excellent accessible services, including improved digital support where possible, we will have a better chance of improving health outcomes for our people, which is our priority.
Sue Capstick, service line manager for sexual health at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:
This is great news and something that describes the sheer dedication of the service and staff who work collaboratively together to maximise the uptake of sexual health services, including chlamydia screening. As a service we will continue to offer excellent and high quality sexual health care by ensuring we work in partnership with all members of the public of all ages, including young people, in a way that is non-judgmental, confidential and tailored to clients’ needs.
For more information about the sexual health services or help to access support contact: (01772) 401140 or visit: www.cashlancashirecare.nhs.uk