Bexley Council is set to develop a South East London Sexual Health Strategy, aiming to improve sexual and reproductive health services for residents.
The move comes as the council recognises the importance of these services in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), supporting reproductive health, and reducing health inequalities. However, Bexley faces challenges such as financial pressures, rising demand, and fragmented delivery models.
The strategy is being developed as part of Bexley's participation in the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley, and Bromley (LSLBB) Quinpartite Partnership. A public consultation on the LSLBB SRH Strategy is open until 27 June 2025. The strategy focuses on equity, access, quality, and innovation, with key themes including healthy sexual relationships, improved reproductive health, reduced STI rates, and HIV prevention and care.
According to the briefing note regarding Bexley's sexual health services, Bexley's STI testing rate is on par with the national average but lower than London's. The briefing note also indicates that Bexley has a higher rate of admissions for pelvic inflammatory disease than London and England, suggesting a need for increased chlamydia screening.
The council also acknowledges challenges, including the absence of NHS-run Level 2 and 3 clinics within the borough and unpredictable demand due to open-access service models. According to the briefing note regarding Bexley's sexual health services, Bexley has a higher proportion of late HIV diagnosis (47.4%) than London (41.1%) and England (43.5%).
Key initiatives include a Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs Assessment completed in early 2025 and a new dedicated sexual health website launched in April 2025. The council also holds quarterly SRH Partnership Meetings to foster collaboration and coordinate planning.