We work to improve the sexual health of the region by
- Reducing the numbers of people affected by sexually transmitted infections STIs
- Preventing unintended pregnancy , particularly in the under 18s
- Reducing late diagnosis of HIV
- Improving access to sexual health services e.g. contraception, abortion, Genito-Urinary Medicine (infection testing)
- Supporting victims of sexual violence
We work closely with colleagues in the Health Protection Agency, Department of Health, Government Office Yorkshire and Humber (GOYH) and local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to do this.
As priority areas in the 2010/11 NHS Operating Framework, we are continuing our commitment to ensuring patients are offered a Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) appointment within 48 hours and the rollout of the Chlamydia screening programme. In 2009-10 all GUM services in the region achieved the 48 hour target and the latest validated data for Chlamydia shows that Yorkshire and Humber succeeded in reaching 17.8% 15-24 year olds with the Chlamydia screening programme. This exceeded the 17% Vital Signs target 2008/09.
Additionally the Framework encourages PCTs to collaborate with local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) to reduce crime including sexual violence. NHS Yorkshire and the Humber and GOYH are working together to support the development of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in all the Police Force areas in the region. A SARC is a one-stop location where female and male victims of rape and serious sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling, and have the opportunity to assist a police investigation, including undergoing a forensic examination.[1] There are 2 SARCs in the region (Humberside and South Yorkshire) and two in development (North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire).
Yorkshire and Humber has reduced teenage pregnancy by 10.9% 1998-2008 compared to a national reduction for England of 13.3% (data awaiting validation). NHS Yorkshire and the Humber remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of teenage parents and their children and reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy by improving access to information and support and to contraception services that are young person-friendly and have achieved “You’re Welcome” status.
NHS Yorkshire and the Humber has carried out a sexual health needs assessment and is building a Sexual Health Framework for the region. This will outline key priorities and drive our work on sexual health forward. These documents will be posted on the website following their publication
[1] Taken from NST RSV webpage from the Department of Health’s website
Useful Links
National Chlamydia Screening Programme
National Support Team for Response to Violence
Teenage Pregnancy Figures 1998-2008
Interim Commissioning Framework for Sexual Health - FINAL (3) (165KB)
