COAST, the chlamydia screening programme for northern Lincolnshire has released its 2009/10 Annual Report. The report details how the service has performed over the last financial year.
The Department of Health sets targets for the performance of chlamydia screening programmes throughout England. North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus has successfully exceeded the national target for the uptake of chlamydia testing for the second year running: 26.4 per cent of young people aged 15-24 accessed testing, which equates to 5,774 people undertaking the very simple urine test (in the last financial year).
The report also shows that the positivity rate for infection has been reduced in North East Lincolnshire. There has been a 1.9 per cent reduction in positive tests. This demonstrates that as the uptake of screening increases, COAST are targeting and screening those most at risk and the team are quickly treating those infected and their sexual partners, thereby impacting on and reducing the positivity rate.
Paul Watson, COAST / SHOUT outreach team coordinator, who manages the local chlamydia screening programme, said: “The year 2009/10 has seen the COAST service develop even more with further national recognition for the way service users have helped to shape the local programme. COAST have also led the way nationally in relation to local policy development and audit of outcomes. The COAST programme is seen by the national programme as an excellent service.
“The planning, implementation and operational delivery of the local chlamydia screening programme in the past year would not been possible without the help and support of the Care Trust Plus and partner agencies. “
Requesting a test kit is easy, simply complete the online request form at www.coast-lincs.nhs.uk or text COAST followed by your name and address to 83010. The tests are also available through the Choices young people’s service, GP practices and local pharmacies.
A full copy of the report can be downloaded form the CTP website at www.nelctp.nhs.uk.