HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has opened a new centre in Hillingdon, which will support efforts to bring down cases of undiagnosed chlamydia in the borough. Commissioned by NHS Hillingdon, the centre will provide a base for a chlamydia testing team targeting young people aged 15-24.

One in fourteen under-25s in London currently has undiagnosed chlamydia, making it the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, including infertility.

The Department of Health is currently tackling increasing rates of chlamydia across the UK through a national advertising campaign (“Chlamydia. Worth Talking About.” ¹) and a National Chlamydia Screening Programme. In Hillingdon, the aim in 2009-2010 is to test 25% of young people aged 15-24 for chlamydia. In 2010-2011 this will increase to 35%.

The chlamydia screening programme in Hillingdon offers young people several different ways to access a free, confidential, quick and easy test. Young people can:

• Request a test from their GP, sexual health clinic, pharmacy, or youth advisory service.
• Go online and request a postal kit from www.tht.org.uk/free, or www.checkurself.org.uk.
• Call the chlamydia screening office on (01895) 259133 for details of screening events across the borough.
• Take a test at THT’s new centre.

The test involves taking a urine sample which is then sent off to the lab; results are available within two weeks. Those who test positive will be given antibiotics to treat the infection, and some may be referred on to other local services for a full sexual health check-up.

THT staff deliver an outreach programme across the borough, visiting schools, colleges, youth groups, and anywhere young people gather, encouraging them to take a test. They will also provide advice and information on safer sex and STIs, as well as giving out free condoms.

Adrian White, Service Development Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Young people are often shocked when we tell them how common chlamydia is. We’re really pleased to be working with NHS Hillingdon to launch our new centre, and we hope our having a regular presence here will encourage more young people to come forward for testing.”

Prof Yi Mien Koh, Chief Executive of NHS Hillingdon, commented: "Access to sexual health services is essential and I'm confident that this new service will offer practical and direct support to young people in Hillingdon. I'd encourage all young people who are sexually active to be tested for chlamydia, given how devastating its effects can be if it goes untreated."

THT’s new centre is at 16a – 17a Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB. For further information on chlamydia screening in Hillingdon, please contact THT’s Hillingdon centre on (01895) 259133, or email info.hillingdon@tht.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

1. http://www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout/Pages/sex-worth-talking-about.aspx
2. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk