Abstract
Traditional hospital-based genitourinary (GU) medicine services have been overwhelmed by the current sexual health crisis. In November 2001, the Community Sexual and Reproductive Health department in Lewisham, South East London started a treatment service for uncomplicated sexually transmitted infections (STI). An audit was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of and demand for this service. Two years after its introduction the number of chlamydia tests increased by 94%, the number of men attending the service doubled, GU medicine referrals halved and the number of STI treatments had risen by 90%, mainly for chlamydia. Proposed national outcome standards were exceeded with treatment of 84% of chlamydia clients with a median delay of 14 days, partner notification documented in 88% of chlamydia treatments and 0.45 contacts per case of chlamydia treated. Community-based services can provide successful testing, treatment and partner notification for uncomplicated STI despite increasing demand and such services should be properly recognized, encouraged and financially supported.