Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has launched at Cowichan District Hospital (CDH).
Island Health medical health officer Dr. Alexander Wong said barriers to getting tested for sexually transmitted infections are high and the process can be embarrassing for some patients.
He said on-demand testing is a step toward improving access and increasing confidentiality.
“The goal of this is to remove barriers. We know traditional testing requires booking with a doctor or nurse practitioner to get a requisition,” he said. “For some people this can be awkward or uncomfortable and that’s why we decided to implement this pilot program.”
Cowichan District Hospital will act as the host facility for the pilot program. Wong said, based on current data and the demonstrated need for testing, there is potential for the program to be scaled up across Vancouver Island.
“We know there are gaps in certain regions of the island, especially in central and northern areas,” Wong said. “We do want to scale it up and have more sites where people can get on-demand testing.”
Clients will be able to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis and HIV, and Island Health recommends regular testing, especially when changing sexual partners.
“Testing is recommended every three to six months, especially when people have new or casual partners or if they have had a change in sexual activity,” Island Health said.
Although CDH has the new testing service, officials say patients should still see a doctor at a clinic if they have been in contact with someone who tested positive for an STI, want access to HIV medication, have symptoms or want to speak with a health-care professional.
The program is funded by Island Health through its population and public health sexually transmitted infections program.
