Services Database Chlamydia Screening (Plymouth Area)

Community pharmacies can offer a convenient and easily accessible location to provide the target
population with advice and information regarding chlamydia infection and to offer them screening and treatment where appropriate. Chlamydia treatment within community pharmacies complements the wider sexual and reproductive health offer such as the provision of Oral Contraceptive Pill, Condoms and Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), by offering a more holistic sexual health care service to this user group.

The aim of this enhanced service is to:
• Reduce the prevalence and onward transmission of undiagnosed chlamydia and help reduce
the incidence of its complications.
• Increase awareness of the risks of unprotected sex amongst the target local population
through general promotion of the service.
• Improve access and offer choice for asymptomatic patients requiring a Chlamydia screen
• Provide testing, health promotion, diagnosis, treatment and onward referral to appropriate
services for the target population that may be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted
infections.
• To strengthen the network of integrated sexual and reproductive services in Plymouth.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION
As part of this enhanced service the named community pharmacy will:
• Make available chlamydia screening kits to sexually active women aged 13-24 years.

• Signpost individuals to chlamydia kits, for example when individuals are purchasing condoms,
collecting oral contraceptive pills and requesting Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC)
• Where necessary provide advice on using the kit, how to return it for testing and what will happen following completion of the test
• Provide support and advice to people accessing the service, including advice on safe sex, condom
use and advice on the use of regular contraceptive methods, when required
• Link with local sexual health services where appropriate to provide referral pathway for people who need services relating to diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections and
contraception
• Maintain adequate records of the service provided on PharmOutcomes
• Participate in relevant training and engagement with local sexual health services

This service will be provided in compliance with the following guidance:
• Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Guideline Emergency Contraception https://www.fsrh.org/news/fsrh-launches-new-emergency-contraception-guideline/
• National Chlamydia Screening Programme standards (8th Edition) English National Chlamydia Screening Programme (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Plymouth safeguarding children policy and guidance http://web.plymouth.gov.uk/localsafeguardingchildrenboard
• Plymouth safeguarding policy and guidance for working with vulnerable adults
http://web.plymouth.gov.uk/adultsafeguardingboard.htm
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005