Worried about the pandemic restricting access to STI testing?
As of September 1st, SH:24 have extended the pilot of their online STI testing kits. Working in partnership with the HSE, the service aims to deliver experiences that are discreet, convenient and clinically safe. They are offering testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and HIV.
The kits are free to order online. Patients must complete a simple survey to determine which kit would suit them best. This is then delivered discreetly, with easy-to-use instructions, and results are sent back by text or email within 72 hours of the test arriving in the lab.
The service is currently available for those living in Dublin catchment areas (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow) and Cork catchment areas (Cork, Kerry), as the HSE are trying to gauge interest and uptake from both rural and urban areas.
The aim of the pilot is to assess the feasibility of a permanent online service to run in tandem with the facilities offered in the Guide Clinic (St James’ Hospital), the Mater Hospital, St Vincent’s University Hospital and the South Infirmary University Hospital in Cork. This will enable further in-person availability for those who are in more urgent need. As well as this, the pilot seeks to educate service users and promote the self-management of those looking to get tested, providing them with accessible and easy-to-use information.
The service is available for those aged 17+. If you have any questions you can email ireland@sh24.org.uk.
For further information and educational resources on Sexual Health and Wellbeing, check out the HSE website here.
Read our article on the Student Sexual Consent Hub here.