Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented a brief introduction, in which he commended the sexual and reproductive health services and online service available within the borough. Councillor Choudhury then mentioned the various ways residents can access these services, such as GP surgeries, pharmacies, specialist centres and outreach services.

Liam Crosby, Associate Director of Public Health, then presented Members with an overview and noted the importance of having various services available within the borough. Members were informed that Sexual Health services are funded through a Public Health grant.  Tower Hamlets has a young and sexually active population and Public Health data indicates that sexually transmitted infections have increased and there are concerns about the antibiotic resistance to infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis, which have both increased in numbers. However, HIV cases have decreased significantly since 2015 due to preventative medication.

Mr Cosby noted that in regards to reproductive health, there has been a decline in abortions by 16% within the borough. The All East Service promotes its services in schools and to young people. Members were informed that a specialist service is available at the Ambrose King Centre and Maryland Hospital. The GP practices and pharmacies can also provide support and advice and service usage has returned to pre-pandemic levels and online services have reported high rates of user satisfaction. Mr Crosby then outlined the financial challenges as funding has not increased.

A substantial work with Clinical and other services has reduced the spending on reproductive health by around £2,000,000 a year. Mr Crosby then discussed the commissioning and funding of SRH services within the borough. To ensure a robust strategic approach, Tower Hamlets are collaborating with other services and local authorities. Members were given details on the 4 main priorities which include:

·       Healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships

·       Good reproductive health across the life course

·       High quality and innovative STI testing and treatment

·       HIV – towards zero and living well.

Andy Williams, Consultant in HIV & Sexual Health, All East London Foundation Trust, outlined the commissioned service packages for Members. This included the substantial work for 1) Integrated Sexual Health services, as well as:

2.    Leadership for the system, including training for Primary Care and other professional and provision of Patient Group Directors (PGDs)

3.    Enhanced Partner Notification, whole system STI management

4.    Sexual Health promotion and Targeted Outreach Provision Boroughs

5.    Children and Young People’s Additional (non-clinical) Services (Newham based).

6.    Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea self-sampling kits for the community and Primary Care.

Mr Williams noted that the third package allows staff to provide instance responses to STI diagnosis. Members were informed that a separate community health service contract exists for residents requiring menopause treatment, terminations of pregnancy FGM. The Ambrose King Centre, the Mile End Hospital site  and Sexual Health London, a E pathway for straightforward treatments, were also noted, as were the clinical psychologists who work for risk reduction and ongoing psychosexual needs.

Lynne Tooze, Project Manager for Door of Hope, then provided a brief overview of the organisation that supports women who sell sex on and off the streets. Members were informed that the organisation assists via  outreach, one to one support, and has a Clinic X drop in centre. Women are given sexual health packs, basic advice on prevention of STI’s and encourage hepatitis testing. Ms Tooze noted an increase in the number of women returning to work in the streets.

Members were also apprised of the work that was undertaken to assist women experiencing domestic violence. One of the methods is to post information in a variety of languages in women's lavatories, so they can find alternative ways of escape. Ms Tooze requested that information should be more accessible and accessible for both men and women, including details on self-testing throughout the area.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee Liam Crosby, Andy Williams and Lynne Tooze;

·       Explained that free testing is available for STI’s including Chlamydia, emergency contraception and condoms. Services are advertised via GP’s and pharmacies.

·       Noted that the main population groups that are seen seeking SRH services are gay men, people of black African origin and younger residents.

·       Confirmed that education is ongoing and Public Health partner with The Love Tank CIC, a non-profit organisation who promote health services within the borough and Positive East London, who provide confidential HIV testing. BARTS also  educate GPS and pharmacists. A written update from the Healthy Lives team will be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

·       Clarified that In June, the Health and Wellbeing Board submitted a joint Sexual Health and Reproductive Strategy to the Health and Wellbeing Board to establish and implement a response to the increasing levels of STI. Work is ongoing to ensure vaccinations are undertaken and text messages are sent, ensure that high risk residents book follow up appointments. The outreach package is also used to spread awareness of available services.

·       Noted that BARTS NHS Health have updated their website in a variety of languages, as well as campaigns on social media platforms.

·       Confirmed that residents who may not wish to physically attend clinics are able to access sexual health services via the online service, or through the pharmacy or their GP. Current data suggests that more Bengali residents use these methods.

·       Explained that online services are one of the ways to meet the high demand in services for more straightforward cases. The clinics are now dealing with residents with more complex issues.

·       Acknowledged the challenges of the demand for SRH services and financial constraints, which means innovative methods are required to structure the workforce. This means that a constant review of staff levels is necessary to ensure patients receive the best care.

The Sub-Committee thanked Officers for their presentation.

The Health and Adults Sub-Committee RESOLVED that;

1.    A  written update from the Healthy Lives team on sexual health education within the borough will be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

2.    The presentation be noted.