Agenda item

Dr.Fabunmi, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine from Harrow and Barnet Public Health introduced the report which set out the Barnet and Harrow Public Health team’s strategy to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Barnet residents in general and in particular for the older population.  In introducing the report, Dr, Fabunmi noted the increased incidence of STIs reported in the 2015 Annual Director of Public Health report.

The Committee noted the following update in relation to sexual health in Barnet:

·         That there has been a rise in rates of STIs amongst those over 45 years of age from 214.2/100,000 to 267.8/100,000 between 2010 and 2013 (Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Data - GUMCAD). However, the actual numbers of STI diagnosis remain small compared to other age groups.

·         That in 2013, individuals under the age of 35 years had the highest prevalence of STIs in Barnet. During this period, males aged 25-34 years represented 21.8% of the male population but had 43.9% of STI diagnosis. Similarly, females aged 20-24 years represented 7.5% of the female population but had 35.9% of the STI diagnosis.

·         In comparison, men over the age of 45 years represented 43.5% of the male population but had 11.6% of the STI diagnosis; and women in the same age group represented 46.6% of the female population but had 4.8% of the STI diagnosis

Dr.Fabunmi informed the Committee that Public Health’s initial conclusion on the sexual health strategy had shown the need for an integrated service and stressed the need for increased collaboration between service providers. 

The Committee noted a Pan-London plan to procure Genitourinary and Urinary Medicine (GUM) and sexual health provision as one system. 

A Member queried whether the age group statistics relating to to the prevalence of STIs were comparable.  Dr. Fabunmi informed the Committee that the data was intended to show that, compared to younger age groups, there is a much lower prevalence in older groups of people.

Dr.Fabunmi tabled a document which contained a graph extrapolation of data already contained within the Committee report which was made available to Members and the public. 

A Member expressed concern that she had been talking to a young female who had run out of her contraceptive tablets and had not been able to access a repeat prescription from a Walk in Centre.  Dr. Fabunmi informed the Committee that a GUM clinic has a different function from a clinic providing contraception.  The Member expressed the need for that message to be communicated to young people. 

Referring to the report, a Member questioned why there were higher rates for STIs in people of black or ethnic minority groups.  Dr. Fabunmi advised that she would respond to the Committee on that point outside of the meeting.

A Member questioned what could be done to reduce the demand for services.  Dr. Fabunmi informed the Committee of the importance of health partners working together and commissioners developing more efficient services.  The Member commented that people would be less anxious about going to a pharmacy such as Boots than a GUM clinic.

RESOLVED that:-

1.    That the Committee notes that whilst there has been a significant increase in rates of STIs amongst those aged 45 and over in recent years, the numbers remain small and rates of infection are far below those of younger age groups.

2.    The Committee notes the need for an integrated sexual health service  (Genitourinary Medicine and Contraception and Sexual Health Services) comprising of primary, community and acute provision which ensures improved access to holistic and comprehensive services – both locally and across the North London region.

3.    That the Committee notes that Public Health team are participating in collaborative commissioning of genitourinary medicine (GUM) services. 

4.    The Committee request to be provided with information explaining why there were higher rates for STIs in people of black or ethnic minority groups.