Improving access to genitourinary medicine by satellite clinics: an evaluation of the use of pump-priming funding

Abstract

Pump-priming funding was used to implement a three-month pilot project of two satellite clinics. We conducted a review to determine the impact of the satellite clinics on the local genitourinary (GU) medicine service and the level of success with reference to priorities in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV. A total of 140 patients attended a university clinic and 52 attended a market town clinic. In all, 14% of university clinic and 15% of market town patients were chlamydia positive. Targets for offering/uptake of HIV testing (as outlined in the National Strategy) for 2004 were all met, and those for 2007 were all met except for one. Both satellites were judged successful. After effective implementation of a satellite service, staffing could be transferred to general practitioners with special interest in GU medicine/nurse specialists. This could allow additional satellites to be developed without compromising the main service, helping to improve access to local GU medicine services and promoting local clinical networks.