Issue - meetings

Resolved: the committee noted the report and welcomed encouraging pharmacists to have structured consultations with women who ask for emergency contraception, but noted that a balance needs to be found so that women are not deterred from asking for contraception.

Dr Danny Ruta (Director of Public Health) introduced the report. The following key points were noted:

6.1       There is a general downward trend in new diagnosis of STIs in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (LSL), with the exception of gonorrhoea and syphilis (which most affect men who have sex with men (MSM)).

6.2       Alongside Lambeth and Southwark, Lewisham has the highest HIV rates in the country.

6.3       PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a drug taken by HIV-negative people before sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV, is still under national trial in England.

6.4       The joint Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham sexual health strategy for 2019-24 is focused on four key areas: Healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships; Good reproductive health across the life course; High quality and innovative STI testing and treatment; Living well with HIV.

6.5       Protests at abortion clinics are monitored very closely. There has not been a high prevalence of demonstrations in recent months. Clinics have agreed to contact the council immediately if they notice any protest activity. Women are also asked if they have been harassed, which is also reported back to the council.

6.6       Pharmacy contracts are being changed so that they carry out structured consultations with women who ask for the morning-after pill in order to encourage them to start contraception.

6.7       Pharmacies will be able to prescribe up to a year’s supply of contraception and directly book appointments at sexual health clinics for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

6.9       The Chair noted that the committee’s Healthwatch representative, who sent his apologies for the meeting, had contacted the committee beforehand with a query about how well the strategy addresses the needs of homeless people, people with physical disabilities, and people with learning disabilities.

6.10    The director of public health agreed to provide a response post meeting.

Resolved: the committee noted the report and welcomed encouraging pharmacists to have structured consultations with women who ask for emergency contraception, but noted that a balance needs to be found so that women are not deterred from asking for contraception.