Dental plan to boost chlamydia screening

A TRIP to the dentist could soon see young people checked out for one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases.

NHS Oldham is looking into a pilot screening service in which dental practices would invite young people to be tested for chlamydia.

The discreet test, which requires a urine sample to be posted off, sends results by phone or text within two weeks. Several pharmacies in the borough currently offer the test to 15 to 24-year-olds.

The dental pilot is one of a number of measures by NHS Oldham to boost screening rates and encourage more people in the target age group to be tested.

Other plans include sending letters to young people from their GP practice inviting them to be tested, and screening campaigns by the Brook Advisory Service in sixth forms and colleges this month to link in with freshers events.

Across the borough, chlamydia screening performance has improved from 5.9 per cent by the end of 2009-10 to 6.5 per cent in the three months from April to June this year.

Screening activity in general practices across Oldham increased from 98 screens in May to 122 screens in June, but the borough still failed to reach the monthly target of 211.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “We are looking at ways to promote testing for chlamydia among people aged 15 to 24.

“It is important that young people get tested for chlamydia, which is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in England and affects one in 10 young people.

“Many people don’t have symptoms when infected with chlamydia and if it is left untreated it can lead to long-term health problems. It is easy to diagnose and treat.”

Anyone aged 15-24 can get a test by texting the word TEST with their name, age and address to 84010 to receive a testing kit, or by calling the RU Clear confidential advice line on 0800-0461303.