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<p>It is concerning to see the increase in sexually transmitted infections, and we
would encourage people to practice safe sex by using condoms and to access their free,
local sexual health services if they consider themselves to be at risk of infection.
Local authorities have been mandated to commission comprehensive open access sexual
health services and are best placed to understand and meet the public health needs
of their local communities.</p><p>Data published by Public Health England show that
more people are accessing sexual health services, with attendances increasing by 7%
between 2017 and 2018. This continues the trend of increases in attendances seen over
the past five years. To help manage the overall increase in demand, online services
are increasingly being commissioning to manage lower risk and asymptomatic patients.
These services also have the potential to reach groups not currently engaged with
clinic services.</p>
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