Schools screened for sex diseases

Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 27 March 2008

WEST Cumbrian pupils are being tested for sexually transmitted diseases in schools and then sent their results by text.

A county-wide chlamydia screening programme targeting teenagers is being rolled out. Pupils from years 11 to 13 are being offered the confidential tests at secondary schools in Workington, Whitehaven, Cockermouth and Keswick. Already 275 pupils have been tested in Workington and Whitehaven.

A total of 3,000 under-25s have been screened across Cumbria and 300 have tested positive.

Sharon Lightfoot, chlamydia programme co-ordinator with Cumbria Primary Care Trust , said: “Screening in schools is a new initiative and the aim is to screen the population of Cumbria aged under 25. The scheme can be accessed from 79 GP practices, family planning centres, schools, some youth clubs and voluntary sectors”.