Targeting sexually transmitted infections.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals working in the field of sexual health face significant challenges. The way that resources, which are allocated on the basis of the Choosing Health consultation, are used will have an impact on service modernisation and new opportunities for service delivery. But targets and the desire among PCTs to meet their LDPs must not compromise clinical quality, and robust mechanisms for clinical governance must be set in place. These should include: The education and training of all healthcare professionals, The development of effective pathways for referral to specialist GUM providers, Arrangements for ongoing supervision and support of clinical work undertaken in non GUM settings. For many patients, access to services and plurality of supply are of paramount importance. New technology is making different patterns of service delivery possible, as is better use and development of staff, particularly nurses. Nurses however must decide upon and, if necessary, develop nationally recognised specialist education in STIs that supports the development of skills and expertise from novice to expert. Whether this education should, and could, be delivered uni- or multiprofessionally is a matter for ongoing debate. What must be clarified however are the levels of competence achieved and their parity across professional groups. Ultimately, whether government targets are achievable remains to be seen. What is important is the fact that, by setting targets, the government has finally recognised STIs and GUM as health priorities.