Primary care and the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV: an evaluation of one primary care trust

Abstract

Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead (WAM) primary care trust (PCT) currently has no specialist sexual health services. We researched the level of sexual health service provision in WAM compared with targets set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV and assessed support for level 2 service expansion.

We found practices were already providing much of level 1 and parts of level 2 services. Gaps centred on male and asymptomatic female screening and sexual health promotion. Ten out of 22 practices expressed interest for service development within the PCT, but obstacles cited included lack of resources, training and prioritization of the strategy.

The study has identified strengths and weaknesses across the PCT that have guided recent initiatives. This model could be used by other PCTs to ascertain their needs and acknowledge their achievements.