Record numbers at Bradford sexual health clinic as staff urge more people to be tested

Despite coping with a record number of patients, the team at the Trinity Centre sexual health service on Trinity Road – part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – want even more people to come and get tested to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts and herpes.

Sexual health consultant Dr Sophie Brady said: “We believe in Bradford this year the message about the importance of regular check-ups is getting through to people.

“Despite record attendances, there have been fewer new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the period from April to October than in the same time period last year.

“This is good news as it indicates people are recognising the importance of regular testing while, at the same time, rates of sexually-transmitted infections are falling across the city.”

The Trinity Centre team has been awarded the ‘You’re Welcome’ status after an independent panel judged them to be providing a gold standard service.

Dr Brady said: “It is not just young people who are at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection, the over 40s are forming new sexual relationships and are not always thinking about using condoms and getting tested.

“Anyone who is concerned or takes their sexual health seriously should consider coming along to get tested.”

The team also work with healthcare colleagues in the community to encourage testing for HIV. Nationally there were more than 6,000 new cases of HIV infection in 2009 and more than 300 people with the virus access care in Bradford, with the majority in the 25-to-54 age group. It is also estimated that a third of the HIV positive population are unaware of their infection.

Appointments are offered within 48-hours and walk-in sessions are available every morning from 8.30am to noon, Monday to Friday. Appointments are also available from early morning to evening. For more information call (01274) 200024.