A number of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinics are set to close on Dec. 31.
The clinics provide testing and treatment for STIs, as well as counseling for sexual health, PAP smears and other exams.
Clinics that are closing are located in Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Cranbrook and Grand Forks.
B.C. Nurses’ Union (BCNU) president Debra McPherson stated that they were notified about the potential closure on Nov. 29.
“Prior to that, there was no consultation with the nurses or any of the people that Interior Health Authority (IHA) included in the program,” said McPherson.
“They’re telling our nurses that they don’t have the capacity to pick up the programs.”
Lesley Coates, communications officer with IHA, noted in a press release that the decision for closure is based on an extensive program review.
“Ninety per cent of STI testing is being done by other providers such as physicians and walk-in clinics,” stated Coates.
“Physicians and other service providers are also doing the majority of HIV testing with less than one per cent of HIV tests being done by Interior Health nurses.”
McPherson disagreed and pointed out that Grand Forks in particular doesn’t have a street outreach program and walk-in clinics are full early in the morning.
“The closure will be problematic for communities like Grand Forks, where there aren’t a lot of providers available,” McPherson explained. “They see around 1,000 people a year through the program in the community.”
According to the IHA release, STI clinics will no longer accept new clients at the end of the month and services will phase out by the end of January.
“Interior Health wants to assure the public that any clients who are in the midst of treatment or an immunization series with public health will still be able to have it completed by public health,” stated Coates.
“People who need assistance in locating other STI providers can contact their local health unit for assistance.”
McPherson cited statistics stating while Grand Forks has seen a plateau in unwanted youth pregnancies, there was still a rising rate in STI, namely Chlamydia, in British Columbia amongst young men and women between 16 and 25.
At the moment, McPherson is waiting for B.C.’s Minister of Health Mike de Jong to respond to a letter demanding he intervene.
“This is a public health service that is essential to these communities,” she said.
“We’ll see how the minister responds and determine what our next steps will be, but this is not over.”