Gonorrhoea cases in Oldham hit record high last year

Data from the UK Health Security Agency also showed there was a slight increase in the number of syphilis cases in 2023.

The 319 gonorrhoea cases recorded last year was the highest amount since records began in 2012 and were up from 245 the year before, while syphilis cases went from 24 to 28.

The overall number of STI diagnoses in Oldham last year was 1,566, up from 1,301 in 2022.

Of those 1,566 STI cases, 958, of 61 per cent, were chlamydia cases.

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The record number of gonorrhoea cases in Oldham mirrored he nationwide figures, with the STI reaching the highest number of cases since records began in 1918.

Meanwhile, syphilis cases reached their highest level since 1948.

Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said the rise in STI figures in the borough was partly down to increased testing.

She said: "Oldham, like most other areas, has seen a post-pandemic increase in gonorrhoea rates.

"As a result of the restrictions that were put in place in response the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual health services in England underwent rapid reconfiguration to increase access to STI testing via telephone or internet consultations.

"Such changes were put into place in Oldham, and there is now greater access to STI testing and treatment remotely, which has remained post-pandemic.

"The increased uptake of self-sampling kits mean that one reason for the increasing rates is that more people are being tested."

Sexual health clinics in Oldham can be found at Oldham Integrated Care Centre and Failsworth Primary Care Centre (Image: Google Maps/CSPR)

Cllr Brownridge said work was continuing to raise awareness about STIs in Oldham.

She said: "Our local sexual health services are taking a proactive and assertive outreach approach to targeting under-served and most at-risk populations and communities, with delivery in community settings, whilst also improving partner notifications and results processes and working with community leaders and grassroots organisations to share sexual health promotion messaging."

The Integrated Sexual Health Service and Young People's Sexual Health Service in Oldham offer screening and treatment for STIs, including express and postal testing.

They also provide free condoms (available online or in clinic) and offer HIV pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis. More information, access to postal and 'click and collect' test kits and condoms, and options to book an appointment, can be found via thesexualhealthhub.co.uk.