Government’s STI failings result in increased business for
UK health company

Released on = October 16, 2005, 7:36 am

Press Release Author = Stephen Davies

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = A supplier of home STI kits is reporting continuous high demand of its products to the British public due to the government’s declining sexual health service.

Press Release Body = A supplier of home STI kits is reporting continuous high demand of its products to the British public due to the government’s declining sexual health service.

Following last night’s BBC report on how the government is failing the British public with STI treatment, Preventx, a leading European supplier of home Chlamydia testing kits is reporting that their product sales are increasing every month.

The report, which was covered in the TV programme Panorama, showed how the STI epidemic is overwhelming the sexual health service. Across the country, waiting times are at record levels, with many clinics forced to turn away patients.

Preventx director, Michelle Hart said: “Yesterday’s report said that waiting time for a check up can be up to six weeks when it should only be two days. People should not have to wait that long. I am sure it would seem a lengthy and anxious period of time.

“We are seeing a rapid increase in our sales figures on a monthly basis. Most are from the public who just don’t want to wait that long or who can’t get an appointment at all.”

She added: “Our product is easy to use; they are tested by a self-check method and the result is immediate.”

All of the UK’s 269 sexual health clinics were investigated and only 20 (7%) could offer an appointment within the routine 48 hours.

Speaking on the BBC programme, director of Sheffield Genitourinary Clinic, Dr George Kinghorn said: “I think it does represent a public health crisis. This is a problem which is only going to increase.

“If we have untreated and undiagnosed diseases in the community, then it will inevitably spread and more people will be infected.”

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The continuous increase of STI cases is believed to be a sign of the times. People are having unprotected sex with more people more often and at a younger age.

The government are now planning a £50m advertising campaign warning of the dangers of unsafe sex, but many clinics believe that this will add extra pressure to the already failing system.

-Ends 341 words-

Media Contact: Stephen Davies

Tel: +44207 1935550
Mobile: +44790 4444229
Email: stephen@davies.net
Web log: www.prblogger.com

Notes to journalists:

About Preventx
Preventx is a leading European supplier of drug testing kits and Chlamydia home tests. Preventx health and drug testing customers include the Home Office, the NHS, community drug abuse teams, Heathrow & Gatwick Airports, Schools, Parents, and Major transport companies. For further information ring Michelle on 01670 821 352 or
click on www.preventx.co.uk

About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It often causes no symptoms, and can be passed on to others without knowing. However, complications may occur if it is left untreated, including problems in pregnancy and infertility in both men and women.

Chlamydia is most prevalent among teenagers. Nearly 75% of all new cases occur in women under the age of 25. By age 30, 50% of sexually active women have been exposed to the infection.

Around half a million people in the UK have the infection.

Web Site = http://www.preventx.co.uk

Contact Details = 56 Johnson Road
West Durham
DH1 3TY
+447904465378