NHS Central Lancashire has been ranked joint second in the north west for screening young people for chlamydia.
A drive to encourage more young people to be tested has been a massive success with 26.6 per cent of sexually active 15 to 24-year-olds being screened between April 2009 and March 2010.
Carolyn Blythe, NHS Central Lancashire chlamydia screening programme co-ordinator, said: “We were challenged to screen 25 per cent so to not only reach this target but to exceed it is fantastic and is down to the hard work of all our staff and partners.
“This is an important programme, promoting healthy and safe relationships between young people, and encouraging them to take responsibility for their sexual health. This is vital as chlamydia often has no symptoms and can lead to complications if left untreated.
“The chlamydia screening team works with young people in a variety of places, including schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace to make screening as accessible as possible. We also work with outreach teams from other agencies working with young people.”
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the 15 to 24 age group and has been increasing steadily each year since the mid-1990s.
Screening is simple and only involves a urine sample – results can be sent via a text message to a mobile phone or by letter if preferred. Young people with positive results receive free treatment and this is also available to current and previous partners who may be at risk.
It is also important to remember to use condoms every time you have sex. This can reduce the risk of getting or passing on chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are many ways to access screening as it is widely available across central Lancashire from community contraceptive clinics and pharmacies or you can request a self testing kit to be sent to your home address through the Best 2 Know website www.best2know.co.uk, text best to 82540 or call the team on 01772 255317.
What is chlamydia?
·Chlamydia is a bacteria and is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.
Chlamydia affects both men and women. Most people are not even aware they have chlamydia as they do not notice any symptoms. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to long term health problems including infertility (not being able to have a baby) and pain in the lower abdomen (below your belly button).
To find out more about chlamydia screening visit the www.best2know.co.uk website or call 0800 567 123.
chole, usa around 1 year, 6 months ago