Parkgate Stages South Yorkshire’s First Chlamydia Screening Programme

A major screening programme to encourage young people across South Yorkshire to take a Chlamydia test is being launched at the Parkgate Shopping Park in Rotherham on Sunday September 16. The programme has been introduced in response to the growing rates of Chlamydia diagnosed, particularly amongst people under the age of 25.

Announcing the plans for this service, Denise Dunn from The Terence Higgins Trust South Yorkshire, the leading HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infection charity who are carrying out the work on behalf of the government, says:

“We have devised a people friendly marketing campaign using simple easy to understand messages that encourage young people to be more aware of Chlamydia and its harmful consequences. The screening programme consists of a simple and confidential urine test, which can be taken on the spot or at home. If positive it can be quickly and easily treated with antibiotics"

“Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Approximately 1 in 10 of under 25 year olds tested have Chlamydia, most of whom show no symptoms. Yet the infection, if not treated, can lead to serious long term consequences in both males and females including infertility"

“The overall aim of the campaign is to convince young people to take the test so that we can begin to arrest the growth of this infection. We are very grateful to Parkgate Shopping for the support they have provided in our campaign”

The Screening Service will be located behind the Customer Services Building near the entrance to Parkgate Shopping , and starts at 11am on Sunday September 16. It is expected that more screening sessions will take place at Parkgate on a monthly basis.