Government accused of “dithering” on sexual health
Following the publication of new figures showing a rise in sexually transmitted infections, the Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of “dithering”.
The annual report from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows that chlamydia infection rates have risen by nine per cent, syphilis by 28 per cent with an overall rise in cases of four percent. However, there was a decrease in diagnoses of gonorrhoea and genital herpes.
Chairman of the HPA, Sir William Stewart, said: “These are all preventable infections and it is a cause of considerable concern that we are still seeing increases in new diagnoses of STIs across the UK and unsafe sex is undoubtedly a main contributor to this.
“This is the time of year when many young people go on holiday and these figures are a timely reminder of how important it is for people to take responsibility for their own, and their partners’, sexual health, and to use a condom with new and casual sexual partners. If people think they are at risk of having contracted an STI, or have any symptoms, they should go to a GUM clinic for a check-up at the earliest opportunity.”
The Agency says the increase in cases is partly attributable to more people coming forward, but warns that complacency about condom use and a rise in the number of sexual partners may be fuelling the increase.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Paul Burstow, said: “Sexually transmitted infections are rocketing, and it is high time that the Government woke up to this problem.
“Sexual health services are one of the most neglected areas of the NHS and are continually starved of funds to meet Government targets or to pay off trust debts. Waiting times in clinics are far too long.
“Leaving these people untreated means that infections spread and the problem only gets worse. Preventing the rising tide of infections would save the NHS millions and more importantly, would save lives. The Government must stop dithering and work towards a healthier Britain.”
The chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA), Mr James Johnson, also called for action. He said: “Another year, another set of figures and yet more predictions of an impending public health crisis. Well, I’ve got news for the Government, the crisis is here.”
“It is a scandal that the service we offer patients today is worse than it was ninety years ago. During the First World War a free, rapid and totally confidential service was set up to treat sexually transmitted infections. Nearly a century later patients who turn up at GUM clinics can wait up to six weeks for an appointment. What use is that?”
