A Royal College of Nursing survey has shown that sexual health services are understaffed and turning patients away from testing services. The survey of over 600 nurses found services to be at the point of crisis.

These stark warnings from nurses follow an open letter we published last month with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Terrence Higgins Trust, BHIVA, BASHH and others, which urged the Government to strengthen the regulatory framework for sexual and reproductive health services and provide adequate funding for these services. The letter also warned that plans to remove the ring-fence from the public health grant from April 2020 will only lead to further health inequalities and dis-investment in these vital services unless urgent plans are made to stop these consequences.

Kat Smithson, Director of Policy and Campaigns at NAT (National AIDS Trust), said: “Time and time again the Government is failing to heed the warnings of those working at the front line and now our sexual health services are at breaking point.

“There is no clear plan for how sexual health services can be protected once the ring-fence is removed from the public health budget. The situation is only going to get worse, impacting on sexual health outcomes, unless the Government takes action."

For interviews or further comment, please email Senior Communications Officer Charlie Alderwick on charlie.alderwick@nat.org.uk or call 020 7814 6727 (for out of hours press enquiries call 07580 094013)

Reporting HIV

Click here for Reporting HIV: How To Get It Right, brief guidelines for reporting on HIV.

About NAT

NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.

Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives.

www.nat.org.uk