What we want...

Regionally, for a long time there have been well-established clinical networks, supporting the development of cancer services, coronary heart disease, renal and children’s services. With Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) rapidly increasing, a Sexual Health and HIV Network
across Greater Manchester was needed.

The Department of Health’s National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV was first published in 2001 with the aims of reducing the transmission of HIV and STIs, reducing unintended pregnancy rates and reducing the stigma associated with HIV and STI’s.

We share those aims.

The Health Protection Agency’s recent ‘sex time bomb’ survey revealed a shocking increase in the rise of STI’s and, in our professional capacity, we must take responsibility for helping to counter this explosion, which could affect the fertility of many thousands of people.

By involving every sector of holistic sexual health services and working together a positive difference can be made to the sexual health and sexual education of the people in Greater Manchester.

How we will do this…

Nationally, over the past few years, the Government has invested some £47.5million towards the Sexual Health Strategy and has committed a further £20million for the next two years.

Of this, some £15m has been invested in genito-urinary medicine (GUM), £9.5m for chlamydia screening, £5m on termination of pregnancy services and £400,000 on HIV Health
Promotion.

The timing of this investment is crucial. Sexual Health Services are becoming ill equipped to deal with the crisis confronting us.

High sexual activity, particularly among older teenagers, has led to an alarming rise in infections over the past five years. Some centres have in the past experienced waiting times of over six weeks and some services are turning patients away, with the implementation of the Governments 48 hour access target this is an issue that is being tackled.
To ensure that this funding is used in the best possible way we have developed a Sexual Health Network, which will cover the same geographic boundaries as Greater Manchester.

There have and will continue to be many benefits.

It strives to ensure that services are planned and delivered in an integrated and coordinated manner, breaking down traditional boundaries between primary, secondary and tertiary care. It ensures compatibility between the Network as a whole, while supporting individual
sector plans.

It has also proven be more cost effective, maximising the use of resources in both financial and staffing terms. The Network will embrace the views and expert knowledge of the wider health community while achieving continuous improvement in service provision through active research and education, workforce development and good practice.

The Network has a focus on ensuring that partner organisations no longer work in ‘organisational silos’ and provide a way for professionals to learn, work and support each other across organisational boundaries to deliver a high quality, effective service.

Put simply, by ensuring all the services fit together like a jigsaw, it will make life easier for us and improve the experience for our patients.

We are confident that the Network is a valuable tool. We hope you feel the same way and help us to make it a success for our patients and ourselves.

So, where we are up to?….

A steering group was set up in November 2003 to develop a structure and framework for the Network – to advise on the range of services to be included within the Network and produce a consultation document outlining proposals.

NHS organisations across Greater Manchester have been committed to the principle of adopting a three-sector approach to service planning and development. Consequently, a Network Board panel and three Sector panels were assembled. These have become the Network’s Key Players….
To find out about the Greater Manchester Board & Sector groups roles and membership, please click here or on the “Key Players” link at the top of this page.