§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many referrals were made to(a) genito-urinary medicine clinics and (b) sexual health clinics by a general practitioner (i) after diagnosis by the GP for treatment and (ii) for diagnosis and treatment in (A) the last 12 months for which figures are available, (B) 2000 and (C) 1997; [140691]
(2) what the average waiting time for treatment for a sexually transmitted infection after initial examination by a general practitioner was in (a) the last year for which figures are available, (b) 2000 and (c) 1997; what proportion of such treatments were overseen by the GP who made the initial diagnosis; and if he will make a statement; [140692]
600W(3) how many, and what proportion, of general practitioners in England do not treat patients suffering from a sexually transmitted infection; and if he will make a statement; [140693]
(4) how many general practitioners in England provide sexual health services; how many provided them (a) in 2000 and (b) in 1997; and how many have walk-in facilities. [140719]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThese data are not collected centrally. Data are only available on numbers of referrals from general practitioners to genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics and this is shown in the table. GUM clinics are open-access and this data does not include the vast majority of patients who will self-refer to GUM clinics or who are advised to attend by their GP without a formal referral letter.
GPs are required to provide for the management and on-going treatment of patients who are ill, or believe themselves to be ill. Some GPs provide diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, others will make an initial assessment and advise the patient to attend a GUM clinic where more specialist skills and diagnostic tests are available.
Outpatients: Number of GP Referrals made (Provider Based) for Genito-urinary medicine in England Specialty Code Specialty Name GP referrals made in the Quarter 360 Genito-urinary medicine 8,922 360 Genito- urinary medicine 9,209 360 Genito-urinary medicine 8,782 360 Genito-urinary medicine 8,698 360 Genito-urinary medicine 8,517 360 Genito-urinary medicine 8,712 Source:
Department of Health QM08.