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)






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