Compiled
and edited
by Martin Flynn
THT: 'sexual health is not second-class health'
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The ex-lover of Terrence Higgins, speaking on the 20th
anniversary of his death, warned that 20 years' progress in fighting Aids
could be thrown into reverse unless sexual health remains a number one
priority for the NHS.
Dr Rupert Whitaker said: "People with HIV changed the way medicine
is practised. We must not allow sexual health to become a second-class
service. It is at the core of many social issues."
Whitaker was speaking on 3 July at St Thomas's Hospital in Lambeth where
Higgins died. He and Health Minister Alan Milburn later unveiled a plaque
in Higgins' memory.
Dr
Rupert Whitaker (left) and Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn
(right).
Photo: piers allardyce
THT Chief Executive Nick Partridge seconded Whitaker's
message. He demanded that sexual health be one of the performance targets
the new Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) must meet, alongside issues like heart
disease and mental health. Partridge said: "It's now clear that HIV
and sexual health must be restored as an absolute priority for PCTs. Otherwise
we stand at risk of throwing away much of what we've achieved in the last
20 years."
Alan Milburn gave no commitment to do this, but did say: "It's important
that all parts of the NHS, including the PCTs, understand the priority
of sexual health."
Herts Gay Men's Team axed
The Gay Men's Team in Hertfordshire is being closed down
by the local hospital trust.
Local HIV activists allege that the West Herts NHS Trust has overspent
its budget by
