New provider for Salford’s sexual health service

A new provider for Salford’s sexual health service has been chosen following a rise in “sexual health issues that need to be urgently addressed.”

Councillor John Merry, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Salford City Mayor said: “We know the city has sexual health issues that need to be urgently addressed and we’re in an unenviable position of having high levels of STIs.

“By creating this new service, we’ll seek to tackle the sexual health issues head on and our priority will be to provide the best service to those who need it.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has taken over delivery of Salford’s previous sexual health service provider from January 1.

This newly delivered service begins following a previous contract between Salford City Council and Bolton Council, which saw sexual health services being delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust until the end of 2023.

The change in the service provider follows the findings from the “feedback from users” in autumn 2023.

The service will continue to be delivered from Lance Burn Medical Centre in Pendleton and a range of satellite sites across the city. The service involves sexual health teams providing testing, treatment, support, advice and education through community clinics.

Councillor John Merry,  added: “This is an essential service for so many across the city and we need to get this right. We’ll be working closely with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that we are improving this service for our residents.

“I’m confident this new partnership will prove successful in getting people the right help and support they need and ultimately reducing the high levels of STIs in the city.”

The service is now provided by the Northern Contraception, Sexual Health and HIV Service, managed by Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Miss Toli Onon, Joint Group Medical Director at MFT said: ”Our sexual and reproductive health service is the largest and most experienced in Greater Manchester and it’s really positive to be able to extend this to Salford residents.

“By bringing this service into MFT, we are now dedicated to providing people of Salford with supportive, confidential and high-quality accessible care, as we work in partnership to tackle complex health challenges in the community.”

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust will continue to deliver Salford’s HIV treatment and care service.