New research from the Terrence Higgins Trust reveals that sexual health services in Scotland, England and Wales are “over-stretched and under strain.”
Using a ‘Using a ‘mystery shopper’ methodology, the Terrence Higgins Trust contacted 57 clinics to schedule a face-to-face appointment for their. persona ‘Gabriela’. Gabriela, a cis woman in her mid-twenties with no obvious STI symptoms, was denied an appointment by 49% of clinics.
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The sexual health of the nation has consistently been ignored by Central Government. A wake up call is needed. […] Ultimately, you get what you pay for – the lowest real terms spending on sexual health is matched by the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections.”
The key results from their research can be seen below.
