§ 65. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will send a circular to VD clinics reminding the authorities concerned of the need to treat patients with normal courtesy, in view of evidence that a number of clinics are adopting a punitive attitude to patients which could have serious implications for public health.
§ Dr. OwenI agree that it is of great importance in controlling the incidence of sexually transmitted disease that108W patients should not be deterred from attending at special clinics both for initial and follow-up examinations, and that they should feel able to encourage the attendance of their sexual partners. This can be achieved only if the clinics provide a considerate and efficient service. I believe that this is understood by the staff of those clinics, who specialise in dealing with the problems of those suffering from sexually transmitted disease, but I shall be pleased to look into any specific problem which my hon. Friend has in mind and any suggestions for improvement. The Consumers Association publication Sex with Health commented on the experiences of 133 people who visited special clinics and I am considering whether any further guidance is needed.