Faster STI testing in the city

A faster screening service for sexually transmitted infections (STI) has been launched on behalf of Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC).

A NSW first, the Xpress Clinic will speed up the screening  process by giving clients without symptoms a computer-based interview and allowing the self-collection of STI specimens.

Director of SSHC Dr Anna McNulty said one of the barriers to STI testing is the time spent waiting at a clinic.

“Our early Xpress results are promising, visits are much shorter—the Centre’s capacity has increased and patient satisfaction is high,” she said.

The Clinic targets “high risk” groups including gay men, sex workers and young people under 24.

According to the 2010- 2013 National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy, these population groups are most risk of catching STIs.

Dr McNulty said the Clinic is vital to addressing the issue and contributing to lowering statistics.

“Sexually transmissible infections continue to be an important community health concern,” she said.

“Increasing the frequency of testing is an effective strategy for reducing infections.”

She said Clinics that have introduced fast-track services have been successful by providing greater access to patients, increasing STI tests, and reducing waiting times.

“We hope the Clinic will encourage more local people to access sexual health care, increase awareness of and testing for STIs, and increase condom use,” she said.

The Xpress Clinic is located SSHC, level 3 Nightingale Building, Sydney Hospital, Macquarie Street and is open from 9 – 6, Monday to Friday.