Number of Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2018 to 2022 (FOI)

Request

Reference STI results, the answer to written question WQ.272/2022 says:

"Circa mid-2021, the number and complexity of cases has increased explaining the increased time in communicating negative results".

WQ.272/2022 (gov.je)

For the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 (to date) please confirm:

A

The number of people diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, broken down by STI.

B

The total number of people who visited Jersey's sexual health clinic (GUM) for an STI screening.

Please also provide:

C

An explanation of what is meant by 'the complexity of cases' in the answer quoted above.

Response

The following information is based on Health and Community Services’ (HCS) genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic data only. It is not possible to provide data for 2022 at this time, as this is yet to be uploaded to the central database.

A

B

The table below details the total number of STI screens performed per annum through the GUM clinic, along with the total numbers seen, which includes both new episodes and follow up appointments.

C

The following factors have contributed to the complexity of cases and workload, and there may be a number of these factors to consider in any individual case:

• Mental health concerns

Clinicians are encouraged to explore mental health concerns with every patient. GUM have seen a huge rise in such issues with their clients and access to other services for support with this can be difficult, owing to increased pressures on Mental Health Services as a whole.

• Safeguarding issues / spotting the signs

HCS have seen a higher number of under 18’s in the last couple of years with services such as Brook reducing face-to-face consultations. Every patient that is under 18 needs a ‘spotting the signs’ form completed which includes the Fraser guidelines. 

Gillick competence and Fraser guidelines | NSPCC Learning (nspcc.org.uk)

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

This service went live in March 2022. PrEP assessment and prescribing requires longer consultations, more in-depth history taking, and regular follow up, screening and vaccination. 

• Monkeypox

Need to ensure vaccination against monkeypox.

• Drug use

Recreational drug use, whether as a part of sexual activity or otherwise, requires more intense health promotion advice. 

• Medical history

Many patients are on regular medications, vitamins and / or supplements. All need to be considered for interactions, which can make the clinical decision-making process much longer. 

A much higher number of patients over the age of 70 are being seen through the service than previously. This has led to an increase in the number of cases where there are co-morbidities to consider when prescribing and issuing medications. 

• Sexual Assault Referral Clinic (SARC)

Referrals to the service have increased. 

Individuals referred through this pathway require longer appointments and more follow up involvement. SARC referrals will often be associated with both mental health and safeguarding concerns. 

The scope of what sexuality or gender a person identifies as is explored more in current day, and clients often require more conversation around this.

People are generally more health aware and likely to seek consultation and treatment.

• Drug-resistant infections

These increase the demand on resources to manage and treat infections.

More screening leads to greater detection of infections. Resultantly, there is a greater demand on the service for treatment, follow up and contact tracing.