Sexual Health Strategy

Sexual Health Network

The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (2005) is a strategy that addresses sexual health and HIV services in the UK. Our sexual health affects our physical and psychological wellbeing, and is fundamental to some of the most important and lasting relationships.

The government’s approach for sexual health and HIV recommends a widespread and holistic model:

"Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health. It is a key part of our identity as human beings together with the fundamental human rights to privacy, a family life and living free from discrimination. Essential elements of good sexual health are equitable relationships and sexual fulfilment with access to information and services to avoid the risk of unintended pregnancy, illness or disease."

In keeping with the Department of Health above definition, a local Sexual Health strategy for the people living on the Isle of Wight focuses on positive sexual health for all. Planning interventions on the Island embraces a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to promoting sexual health services.

There has been considerable research to show that poverty and social exclusion have a clear link with poor sexual health. Over the years there have been huge variations on sexual health services around the UK, therefore, this strategy addresses to raise the standards of services in conjunction with the principles set out in the NHS Plan.

HIV remains a life-threatening condition, at present with no cure. This strategy recognises and addresses the issues associated with HIV.

The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV:

This Strategy aims to:

  • reduce the transmission of HIV and STIs;
  • reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV and STIs;
  • reduce unintended pregnancy rates;
  • improve health and social care for people living with HIV; and
  • reduce the stigma associated with HIV and STIs.

All this adds up to a Strategy that proposes:

  • providing clear information so that people can take informed decisions about preventing STIs, including HIV;
  • ensuring there is a sound evidence base for effective local HIV/STI prevention;
  • setting a target to reduce the number of newly acquired HIV infections;
  • developing managed networks for HIV and sexual health services, with a broader role for those working in primary care settings and with providers collaborating to plan services jointly so that they deliver amore comprehensive service to patients;
  • evaluating the benefits of more integrated sexual health services, including pilots of one-stop clinics, primary care youth services and primary care teams with a special interest in sexual health;
  • beginning a programme of screening for Chlamydia for targeted groups in 2002;
  • stressing the importance of open access to GUM services and, over time, improving access for urgent appointments;
  • ensuring a range of contraceptive services is provided for those that need them;
  • addressing the disparities that exist in abortion services across the country;
  • increasing the offer of testing for HIV and setting a target to reduce the number of undiagnosed infections, thereby ensuring earlier access to treatment for those infected and limiting further transmission of the virus;
  • increasing the offer of hepatitis B vaccine;
  • setting standards for the treatment of STIs and for the treatment, support and social care of people living with HIV;
  • setting priorities for future research to improve the evidence base of good practice in sexual health and HIV; and
  • addressing the training and development needs of the workforce across the whole range of sexual health and HIV services.

                                                       (DH The national strategy for sexual health & HIV, 2005)

The Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust Sexual Health Joint Commissioning Strategy aims to develop services in primary care and the community to improve access and general sexual health on the Island work alongside sexual health targets. The Integrated IOW Sexual Health Service aims to enable people to have prompt and convenient access to consistent, equitable and high quality sexual healthcare. The service is designed to provide and deliver a comprehensive local service to meet the range of sexual health needs, involving primary care, specialist services and other relevant settings within and outside the NHS.

The main outcome of this strategy is to improve sexual health of the Isle of Wight population, clear pathways for patients and service providers, and to meet the objectives of the government’s targets for Sexual Health.

South East: Local Sexual Health Profile: Quarter 3: 2008