Agenda item

Professor Kevin Fenton, Strategic Director of Place and Wellbeing, provided the committee with a briefing on the sexual health service.  He set out the context around level of need in borough as well as central government t funding reductions. 

Councillor Linforth-Hall asked for more detail on the performance of the London-wide service, which Southwark had joined, replacing SH24.  Professor Fenton said that Southwark and Lambeth joined the London e-service in April 2018.  He sits on the governing body which meets monthly and discusses performance. There were initial teething problems but these had been resolved and the transition has gone relatively smoothly. Professor Fenton had done a mystery shopper test, as had a number of the committee members and found it straightforward to order a kit. He explained that as more people take tests online, a shortfall develops in income for clinics so they need to change their services in response.  The service is now testing more people than it has done before. More people in aggregate are being tested.  The board want to increase access to contraceptive services online too and is currently testing that. Kings offer multiple routes for collecting kits or having them delivered.  CCG needs to review GP skills to ensure they can play their part in screening for sexual health. Councillor Linforth-Hall suggested there could be more publicity about the options for accessing kits.

Councillor Chamberlain asked what advice is available to young gay men about the PrEP trial.  Professor Fenton responded that Southwark and Lambeth are taking part in the trial and there is no plan to limit the number of participants. 

Councillor Chamberlain added that there is an important survey taking place for LGBTQ+ people living in Southwark.  He suggested that the committee might wish to ask for the findings 

Councillor Linforth-Hall asked how virtual clinics are working.  Professor Fenton said that it is still early days but telemedicine is increasing.  Public health in Southwark and Lambeth is keen to contribute and can build on a strong track record of innovation

Councillor Babudu asked if there is a risk of disenfranchisement of any groups by using the e-service.  Professor Fenton said that the service is monitoring this and aware that it needs to be sensitive.  He gave the example of young people who might be concerned about receiving a kit at while living at their parents’ home.  He also said there is data indicating a slightly higher proportion of black and minority people receiving kits and not returning them – the service need to keep in mind practical issues such as translation of leaflets but also to keep reflecting on the behavioural aspects of this service.

Councillor MacDonald asked if there is guidance available for people using kits at home and any analysis of how people are getting on with it.  Professor Fenton said there is a helpline. He did not have data on numbers who’ve called but the services track complaints and any feedback that comes in with the kit or directly at clinic.  There is no cap on the number iof kits available to Southwark/Lambeth residents.  A 6 month report on the service was due to be published shortly and this could potentially be picked up in Cllr Akoto’s interview at OSC.