PCT Meets Challenging GUM 100% Access Target
01/05/2008
Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is meeting the national target for genito-urinary medicine (GUM).
The national target for GUM is for 100% of patients attending GUM clinics with sexually transmitted diseases to be offered an appointment to be seen within 48 hours of contacting the service.
The target for clinics in both Cheltenham and Gloucester was achieved in March and April, as part of the continuing work of the GUM clinics.
Systems are in place to monitor capacity and demand on an ongoing basis. Patients are being reminded that it is costly if they miss an appointment and so are asked to contact the clinics if they are unable to attend, so the slot can be offered to someone else and is not wasted.
The PCT has increased investment in the GUM Service, and has put in place a number of new initiatives to ensure the target is sustained. These include recruiting an additional full-time doctor and other clinical staff to increase capacity in the service.
Awareness and use of the Gloucestershire GUM Service has increased since 2002. New clinics, both appointment only and walk-in, will be provided from the beginning
of June.
A new service will be provided every Saturday morning, alternating between Cheltenham and Gloucester, and a new evening clinic once a week in Gloucester and Cheltenham will be provided specifically for young people.
The PCT will continue to monitor achievement of the target and ensure the service meets the demand of people in Gloucestershire.
Director of Care Services, John Ford, said: “The achievement of this challenging target is a result of a combined effort by all involved, and the GUM service clinical and reception staff have been commended for their efforts.”
Further Information
GUM clinics give tests for sexual health problems, such as:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), eg gonorrhoea and chlamydia
- HIV or AIDs
GUM clinics can provide contraceptive advice, including emergency contraception and condoms. They can also offer advice and counselling on a range of sexual health issues, and provide support if you're having an HIV test, or if you have been diagnosed as HIV positive.
