Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Soar In North UK

According to The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne, there is an acute failure to deal with the soaring rates of sexually transmitted diseases in the North of the UK. Patients with such diseases are able to get proper attention from the concerned clinics.

The report says that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased by 10 percent over the last year as compared to the national average of 2 percent. The number of patients with syphilis increased by 40 percent, while that of highly infectious chlamydia jumped by 30 percent. The Journal says that it is very difficult for patients to get appointments at sexual health clinics. Failure to contain these diseases could very well lead to infertility. 'With most waiting times so high, it's no wonder that STI rates are continuing to rise. If they don't tackle this now the region's sexual health will continue to decline,' said Lisa Power, head of sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust. However, health bosses say that it is tough to get a specialist to work in the region. Routine appointments are being delayed by week to as much as two months, The Journal found. Teesside was worst affected with Hartepool patients being forced to wait for 67 days. Patients in Stockton had to wait 34 days, while those in Middlesbrough for 33 days. Lucia Charnock, spokeswoman for Newcastle PCT admitted that the staff was not increased in tune with the demands, 'We probably have fewer consultants per head of the population in the North-East compared to other areas. With the increased number of people we are seeing our current home is stretched to capacity,' she said.