Moves to tackle sexual health crisis

A blueprint on how to tackle Britain's growing sexual health crisis was released by the Government today.

The Department of Health has been criticised for failing to take the rise in sexually transmitted infections and HIV seriously enough.

Rates of chlamydia, which can lead to fertility problems, have soared in the past decade and experts have warned that failure to combat the rise will lead to a surge in the numbers seeking medical help to conceive.

Ahead of a major Commons report on sexual health which is expected to criticise the Government's handling of the crisis, public health minister Melanie Johnson today published a list of standards aimed at improving access to sexual health services.

The Health Select Committee report, due this weekend, will highlight how clinics across the country have been overwhelmed with the numbers seeking treatment.

Today Ms Johnson released guidance to healthcare professionals working in sexual health on the level of service the Government expects them to provide.

The Recommended Standards for Sexual Health Service include:

? A programme of sexual health promotion to help reduce the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancy.

? Measures to improve detection of sexual health need, including chlamydia screening.

The paper was drawn up by Medical Foundation for Aids and Sexual Health for the Department of Health.

Ms Johnson said: "I hope these new, clearer standards will offer healthcare professionals at all levels invaluable information to meet government targets as well as enhancing the quality of services."

Toni Belfield, director of information at fpa, formerly the Family Planning Association, said said: "For the first time, these standards provide a way forward to improve the quality of sexual health services and practice, so we would expect a noticeable improvement in the care that people receive."