Menu
08/02/2005
Chlamydia screening to be made available in pharmacies
Public Health Minister, Melanie Johnston, has announced plans to make chlamydia screening available in high street pharmacies.
Independent health care providers are being invited to submit bids to pilot the new scheme in community pharmacieis throughout London and Cornwall, in order to make chlamydia screening more available to young men and women.
The successful pharmacies will provide free chlamydia screening for 16-24 year olds, as well as the choice of receiving treatment at their local pharmacy.
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), affecting as many as one in ten sexually active men and women. It can be easily treated with antibiotics, although if it is left untreated in women, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
The pilot scheme will be monitored over a two-year period and, if it is found to be successful, will be launched nationally. Chlamydia testing and screening is currently available in 26 areas of England under the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare venues, including colleges, armed forces bases and prisons.
Commenting on the new plans, Ms Johnson, said: "It's vital that we make it easier for young men and women to get tested for chlamydia. By offering this service in convenient locations on the high street, it will make it easier for people to call in for a screening test – helping to speed up the detection and treatment of chlamydia cases."
David Pruce, Director of Practice and Quality Improvement at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britian (RPSGB) also welcomed the introduction of the screening. He said: "Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use and already make a significant contribution to improving health and preventing illness. The RPSGB works to ensure pharmacists can make their full contribution to the work of the NHS at both national and local level."
(KMcA/SP)
Independent health care providers are being invited to submit bids to pilot the new scheme in community pharmacieis throughout London and Cornwall, in order to make chlamydia screening more available to young men and women.
The successful pharmacies will provide free chlamydia screening for 16-24 year olds, as well as the choice of receiving treatment at their local pharmacy.
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), affecting as many as one in ten sexually active men and women. It can be easily treated with antibiotics, although if it is left untreated in women, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
The pilot scheme will be monitored over a two-year period and, if it is found to be successful, will be launched nationally. Chlamydia testing and screening is currently available in 26 areas of England under the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare venues, including colleges, armed forces bases and prisons.
Commenting on the new plans, Ms Johnson, said: "It's vital that we make it easier for young men and women to get tested for chlamydia. By offering this service in convenient locations on the high street, it will make it easier for people to call in for a screening test – helping to speed up the detection and treatment of chlamydia cases."
David Pruce, Director of Practice and Quality Improvement at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britian (RPSGB) also welcomed the introduction of the screening. He said: "Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use and already make a significant contribution to improving health and preventing illness. The RPSGB works to ensure pharmacists can make their full contribution to the work of the NHS at both national and local level."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2004
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
09 April 2010
Chlamydia Screening Warning
Annual chlamydia screening may not protect women from pelvic inflammatory disease, new research has claimed. The British Medical Journals said it is unlikely that single screening for chlamydia will prevent women developing the disease in the following year.
Chlamydia Screening Warning
Annual chlamydia screening may not protect women from pelvic inflammatory disease, new research has claimed. The British Medical Journals said it is unlikely that single screening for chlamydia will prevent women developing the disease in the following year.
24 August 2005
Boots to provide free chlamydia screening
High Street pharmacy chain Boots has been awarded a government contract to provide free screening for chlamydia. Boots the Chemists will provide the free and confidential service in all its London pharmacies from November. The service is part of a Department of Health initiative to make it easier for 16-24-year-olds to be tested for the disease.
Boots to provide free chlamydia screening
High Street pharmacy chain Boots has been awarded a government contract to provide free screening for chlamydia. Boots the Chemists will provide the free and confidential service in all its London pharmacies from November. The service is part of a Department of Health initiative to make it easier for 16-24-year-olds to be tested for the disease.
11 June 2003
Sexual health of England in 'rapid decline'
A report by an influential Commons health committee has claimed that the sexual health of population in England is in "rapid decline". In the report published today, the committee said that syphilis rates have increased by 500% in the last six years and those for gonorrhoea have doubled.
Sexual health of England in 'rapid decline'
A report by an influential Commons health committee has claimed that the sexual health of population in England is in "rapid decline". In the report published today, the committee said that syphilis rates have increased by 500% in the last six years and those for gonorrhoea have doubled.
17 June 2009
Wealth And Ethnicity 'Linked To Whether Women Have Breast And Cervical Screening'
White British women are more likely to have had a cervical screening and there is more chance that women who own a car and/or home have had a mammogram, according to research published on bmj.com today.
Wealth And Ethnicity 'Linked To Whether Women Have Breast And Cervical Screening'
White British women are more likely to have had a cervical screening and there is more chance that women who own a car and/or home have had a mammogram, according to research published on bmj.com today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
