Prevention and Wellbeing Factsheet: Sexual Health
Key messages
 Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect all age groups, ethnicities and sexual orientations,
and can cause chronic ill health if not treated.
 Young people, individuals from black ethnic groups and men who have sex with men are
disproportionately affected by STIs.
 Testing, treatment, advice and contraception are free and easily accessible.
Why is it important?
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Some people with an STI may not develop symptoms so it is important to be tested if you think
you are at risk, even if you feel fine.
If left untreated some STIs can lead to long-term health problems. Chlamydia and gonorrhea
can cause infertility in women, while syphilis can damage the brain, nerves and the heart.
The picture in Barnet
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Chlamydia screening and detection rates in young people aged 15-24 years, and gonorrhea
diagnosis rates are lower than the national rates (2015 data).
The rate of new STI diagnoses (excluding chlamydia in under 25s) is higher in Barnet (980 per
100,000 people) than in England (815 per 100,000) (2015 data).
The rate of new diagnoses of HIV in adults (15+ years) is similar in Barnet (16.1 per 100,000
people) to the national rate (12.1 per 100,000 people); 33.3% of adults are diagnosed at a late
stage (2013-2015 data).
Other important messages to consider
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If you’re worried you have HIV or any other STI, get tested now. The sooner you’re diagnosed
the quicker you can access treatment, so you can lead a full and healthy life.
Common STI tests are available from contraceptive and sexual health services, and from some
GPs. If you have no symptoms you may only need a urine test or a simple swab that you can
do yourself.
Condoms offer protection against STIs, unlike other forms of contraception. No method of
contraception is 100% effective.
Signposting to local services and online support
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust – sexual health and contraceptive
services
Free family planning and sexual health services for women and men of all ages in Barnet. To
book an appointment for any clinic in Barnet please ring the Central Booking number, 0300 008
1122 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.
 http://www.clch.nhs.uk/services/sexual-health.aspx
The Royal Free London - sexual health and contraceptive services
Provides sexual health/genito-urinary medicine and contraceptive services at the Clare Simpson
Clinic (Barnet Hospital and Edgware Community Hospital) and the Marlborough Clinic (Royal
Free Hospital); and HIV services at the Clare Simpson Clinic and (Barnet Hospital) and the Ian
Charleson Day Centre (Royal Free Hospital). The service is friendly, confidential and nonjudgmental.
 Clare Simpson Clinic
- Barnet Hospital: 0208 216 4110 (patient enquiries) and 0208 216 4132/5764 (health
advisers)
- Edgware Hospital: 0203 758 2440 (patient enquiries) and 0208 216 4132/5764 (health
advisers)
 Ian Charleson Day Centre (HIV services only) – 0207 830 2051(appointments and enquiries)
 Malborough Clinic – 0207 830 2047 (appointments) and 0207 830 2847 (health advisers)
 http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/services-a-z/sexual-health-services/
Do it London
A London-wide sexual health campaign aimed at increasing HIV testing and promoting safer sex
to all residents in the capital.
 https://doitlondon.org/about/
Free HIV Testing
Barnet residents can visit the website to find out if they qualify for a free HIV self-sampling postal
kit.
 https://www.test.hiv/
One You
The current national healthy living campaign providing tools, support and encouragement to be
healthier
 https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/sexual-health
Some people with a high level of need require support from a healthcare professional. They can
be directed to their GP or Social Care Direct (020 8359 5000; [email protected];
07506 693707 for text messages; 020 8359 2000 for urgent out of hours queries) as appropriate.
For anyone with caring responsibilities who lives or works in the borough, Barnet Carers Centre
can offer advice, information, emotional and practical support. They can be contacted on the
following numbers: 020 8343 9698 (Adult Carers Outreach & Support Service and Carers
Hospital Discharge Coordinator); 020 8432 2092 (Barnet Young Carers and Siblings); 020 8432
2091 (Community Home & Support Services) or via email [email protected].