Services Database Chlamydia Screening and Treatment

Pharmacy teams will actively promote this scheme and supply a screening test to eligible patients, i.e. those under 25, who request other sexual health services such as supply of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC).

Pharmacy teams will actively promote this scheme and supply a screening test to any asymptomatic sexually active client/customer under the age of 25 who either requests a chlamydia screening test or when dispensing contraceptive pills or purchasing condoms. Clients should be registered with a Dudley GP practice and resident within Dudley.

The service will include:

• provision of a chlamydia screening kit and an explanation of its use;
• provision of a patient form and an explanation of how to complete it; and
• provision of a chlamydia return kit and an explanation of where to return it.

Antibiotic treatment (Azithromycin) will be provided for male or female patients with a positive test for Chlamydia Trachomatis as outlined by the PGD.

Pharmacy teams will provide verbal and written advice on the risks of contracting chlamydia in line with national guidelines. Advice on other STIs and the use of regular contraceptive methods will be given.

Level 1 – Screening
The pharmacy contractor will need to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy staff offering the service meet the training requirements:

• The Office of Public Health and Brook provided training is compulsory for every staff member involved in the service. Pharmacy assistants can offer the screening kit distribution service by attending the training session, but the treatment part of the service must be provided by accredited pharmacists;
• Pharmacists and staff providing this service must be aware of local and national guidance on safeguarding children, as it is possible that people under the age of 16 will request screening; and
• Pharmacists must complete the CPPE Sexual Health in Pharmacies (2013) (previously entitled the CPPE Sexual Health Testing and Treating package) to become accredited for this service. In addition, pharmacists must attend the Office of Public Health workshop facilitated by the Brook Chlamydia Screening Programme.

Level 2 – Screening and Treatment
Pharmacists must complete the CPPE Sexual Health in Pharmacies (2013) (previously entitled the CPPE Sexual Health Testing and Treating package) package to become accredited for this service. In addition, they must attend at the Office of Public Health azithromycin patient group direction (PGD) workshop.