Clinics target STD challenge

Clinics at Stafford and Cannock's main hospitals have risen to the challenge of coping with increased levels of sexually transmitted diseases.

The Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) department of Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust has stepped up the number of clinics it provides – and is now able to offer most patients an appointment within just 48 hours.

Greater awareness and rising levels of sexually transmitted diseases – particularly Chlamydia, which can cause fertility problems – have led to the demand for more clinics.

And, thanks to new ways of working, the GUM department now provides clinics five days a week at both Staffordshire General and Cannock Chase hospitals, offering an appointment within 48 hours to at least 80 per cent of patients. Since 2000 the number of patients testing positive for Chlamydia at the two hospitals has soared from under 100 to more than 500 a year.

"The rate for Chlamydia locally is slightly higher than the national average as patients in this area are more aware of the issue and come earlier for tests," said Dr Atef Markos, consultant in genito-urinary medicine and sexual health, who is the lead clinician for the department.

"Also, we find that the TV soaps play a part in educating people about the need to get tested. We can usually tell when a storyline is running about someone having HIV or other sexually transmitted infection (STI) because the numbers of people coming here for tests goes up."

The GUM department now sees around 4,000 patients a year, although far from all of these are for STI testing. The department also sees patients for genito-urinary problems, genital skin conditions, sexual dysfunction and family planning.

Over the last year, GUM clinics at Staffordshire General have extended from four to five days a week and at Cannock Chase Hospital from three to five. For people unable to attend during the day, extra clinics are also arranged on Monday nights at Stafford and Wednesdays at Cannock.

"One of the ways we've been able to increase our capacity is by our well-trained nurses leading some of the clinics, seeing patients who are less likely to have complicated conditions and aged under 20," said Dr Markos.

"Nurses now see around 20 per cent of our patients, freeing up our doctors to concentrate on cases likely to be more complex and speeding up the rate at which we can offer appointments.

"Our staff are the biggest asset of this department – and they've all worked hard, as well as changing timetables and working patterns, to make sure we can increase access to our clinics."

Trust chief executive Martin Yeates said: "Dr Markos and his team of doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants have done a fantastic job in rising to the challenge of providing more appointments more quickly.

"They've shown dedication and ingenuity in the way they have achieved this."

Anybody wanting an appointment with the GUM clinics at either Stafford or Cannock can telephone 0800 696 669 (free) or 01785 230260 for an appointment.