Gonorrhoea cases in Wakefield jumped 67 per cent in three years

There was a 67 per cent jump in the number of people testing positive for the condition, which is sexually transmitted, between 2015 and 2018.

The figures were revealed in a council report, as a new five year contract to run sexual health services in Wakefield will go out to tender shortly.

In 2018, the last full year for which data is available, nearly five sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) were diagnosed every day in the district.

Young people are particularly at risk with more than half of those cases involving the under-25s.

Although HIV diagnoses are falling in Wakefield, as they are nationally, the report said the rise of STIs like gonorrhoea and syphilis "highlights the

need for access to sexual health services and the importance of high quality

sex education and information".

The majority of sexual health testing and support in Wakefield is carried out by the company Spectrum, on behalf of the public sector.

Specialist help for HIV patients is run by Yorkshire MESMAC.

Both contracts expire in 2021, meaning new companies will be able to bid for the new five year deal to run the services.

Wakefield Council has said it wants whoever takes over the services to improve digital interaction with patients, with lockdown this year having forced many routine sexual health appointments online.

Those who need to be seen in person will still be able to access a city-centre based service, however.

The report said: "Since March 2020, access to health services via remote and digital methods have increased significantly and many non-complex sexual health issues can be managed without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

"This includes access to asymptomatic STI testing, oral contraception, emergency hormonal contraception and some treatment options."

The report also acknowledged nationwide problems with discrimination and a lack of tolerance towards the likes of sex workers and the LGBT community, who are at greater risk of infection.

The council's Cabinet member for health, Faith Heptinstall said: "It is our duty to provide and make sure that all our residents have access to good quality sexual health services across our district, without fear of discrimination or inequality.

"This new service will ensure that those who need face to face care can get it, through a city centre based hub and outreach provision within the community but also enhanced digital and remote services which will make them more accessible, especially in the current climate.

"By offering the successful provider a five year contract, with the option to extend for another five years, it provides greater security and a consistent, trusted and high quality service for the Wakefield district."

Local Democracy Reporting Service