The Committee will receive an update on Sexual Health Services

The Committee received a presentation from Rachael Smart, Clinical Lead Nurse, Florey Clinic, Royal Berkshire Hospital Foundation Trust on the integrated sexual health service in Reading.

The presentation outlined the scope of services provided by the Florey Clinic, a Level 3 Sexual Health Service based at 21a Craven Road, Reading, with satellite services across the community. The clinic offered Genitourinary Medicine (GUM), contraception, HIV care, and psychosexual counselling.

The presentation included the following points:

·       Trends in STI Diagnoses (2019–2023): Data from national and local sources showed varying rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis across the South East, with a focus on young people aged 15–24.

·       Youth Engagement: The clinic had seen a consistent increase in STI testing among under-25s, with internal data showing high testing rates and volumes, particularly among Reading residents.

·       Outreach and Innovation: The “Let’s Get to Zero” Bus Project was launched to support the national goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030. The project delivered 24 outreach events, testing 175 individuals—77% of whom were new to the clinic. The campaign was supported by social media and received regional media coverage.

·       Future Plans: The clinic aimed to improve public health outcomes by increasing testing uptake, raising awareness of HIV prevention goals, and expanding outreach and digital engagement.

The Committee thanked Rachael for the information and requested that a future update report be provided in a years time.

Resolved – That a future report/presentation be provided to the Committee in 12 months.