Responding to gonorrhea and syphilis

Over the course of the pandemic, the overall number of reportable sexually transmitted infections dropped, both locally and provincially.

A report to the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health on Wednesday indicated the stay-at-home orders and lack of access to testing, during the shutdown, likely contributed to this trend.

Health care providers offered in-person services to meet the needs of clients and respond to outbreaks of gonorrhea and syphilis. Program manager Stephanie McFaul tells Quinte News individuals who attend the health unit don’t need an appointment and collect their own samples.

McFaul explained,  “So if there is a positive result then our sexual public health nurses will reach out to those individuals to ensure that they are properly treated and to assist those individuals with their partner notification.

“Everything can be done right here. So we’ve set it up so individuals can come in. We have a station where they pick up a clipboard, fill out their form. They can pick up a kit, depending on what type of sample they need to provide. Then they take that kit to a private washroom. They collect their own samples. They put their samples back into the bag so it’s all sealed up. Then we have a drop area where they can place it.”

McFaul added, “It’s quick. It’s easy. It requires little to no interaction with anyone. So we encourage everyone to take advantage of this new clinic style and to come out and get an easy sexually-transmitted infection test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.”

The health unit offers health clinic services in multiple locations to prevent and control blood-borne disease infections.