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<p>The Government has mandated local authorities to commission comprehensive open
access sexual health services. Local authorities are best placed to understand and
meet the public health needs of their local communities. While councils have had to
make savings, they have also shown that good results can be achieved at the same time.</p><p>
</p><p>The total number of attendances at sexual health services nationally increased
13% between 2013 and 2017 (from 2,940,779 to 3,323,275). To help manage the overall
increase in demand, local authorities have been utilising technology to manage lower
risk and asymptomatic patients. Free, confidential online services which are convenient
for patients are increasingly being commissioned. As these services develop, they
also have the potential to reach groups not currently engaged with clinical services.</p>
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