News

Almost two thirds of sexual health clinics in England cannot cope with demand and turn patients away, a survey published today reveals.

Despite a government push to improve sexual health services including allocation of extra funds, facilities continue to worsen, the survey by HIV and Aids charities found.

The survey shows that almost 90 per cent of sexual health clinicians interviewed reported increased numbers of patients in 2005, but only three per cent mentioned an increase in staff.

Head of policy at Terrence Higgins Trust Lisa Power said that primary care trusts must make improving sexual health a priority.

The UK now has the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections since 1945, according to the trust.

The report is published by Terrence Higgins Trust, the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, the British HIV Association, and Providers of AIDS Care and Treatment. Sixty six primary care trusts and 88 clinicians in England participated.