Younger generation disappointed by reduction in STI services as rate of infection rises

For a year Lynn’s Vancouver House clinic has operated on a ‘symptoms only’ basis for sexual health screening, but now young people are having a say.

The clinic, operated by Cambridge-based NHS health provider iCaSH, recommends that people order test kits online, to use at home, instead of a face-to-face appointment for a routine STI check up.

But it is claimed there can be issues with the at-home kits, designed to screen for most major sexual diseases, as the patient may not be able to fill the vial with the required amount of blood, or the blood itself may coagulate and become unusable.

Downham town councillor Robert Shippey said : “The GP does not provide sexual health services and now the iCaSH is prompting people to test at home, a lot of people would like to have face-to-face check ups, it’s so important and informative.”

“The service many people have experienced through iCaSH has been good, but it’s a shame it doesn’t extend out to Downham and has been reduced overall.”

Hannah Baer, from Downham said: “There are lots of diseases out there that people don’t know about, we can’t just order a test kit and be on our way, we need a real in-depth service.”

An NHS nurse gave her opinion on the matter: "It's disappointing for young people, they have less resources and education in schools.

"The two bodies need to communicate effectively to reduce the spread of disease.

"The NHS is under a lot of pressure at the moment and is working on tight resources."

There have been reports that a disease called MG is now prevalent locally. MG stands for mycoplasma genitalium and is described on the NHS website as a “superbug”.

MG was first seen in 1989 and is once again on the rise, the symptoms are similar to gonorrhea and can have long-term effects.

Mike Passfield, head of iCaSH Services said: ““Many clients seeking STI testing have no symptoms and clinically don’t need to attend face to face consultations, so we introduced innovative services such as Express Test for people aged 16 and over, which is more convenient and accessible.

“However, we understand that some service users experience difficulties completing tests at home, so we have ensured that there are comprehensive FAQs and instruction videos on our website, and that our dedicated team are available to offer over the phone support and trouble shooting.

“Whilst there have been national reductions in the public health grant to local authorities there is no evidence of reducing levels of screening. In Norfolk we have seen an increase of over 30 per cent since introducing Express Test.”

There has been an increase in STI rates that is steadily rising since 2016, according to the World Health organisation.

Diseases such as chlamydia have become antibiotic resistant to form sexual 'superbugs' that are easily passed from one person to another.