Summary
Strategic Issue 1
Under 18 Conceptions have been higher than the region since 2014 and higher than the national average consistently. Within this, the under 16 conception rate is increasing (between 2020 and 2021), whereas the under 18 conception rates decreased between 2018 and 2021. The Under 18 Birth rate has been consistently higher than the national average since the earliest available data in 2009. Proportion of under 16 conceptions leading to abortions fell from 100% in 2020 to 50% in 2021. Under 18 conceptions leading to abortions is also declining. Young people under the age of 25 are at greater risk of poor sexual health due to being more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, the stigma around seeking advice, economic challenges and vulnerabilities.
What needs to be done
Address high rates of under 18 conceptions and births in Hartlepool a whole-system approach which involves health, education, youth services, and local government working in a collaborative. A multi-agency approach using guidance from All Our Health and the Tees Sexual Health Needs Assessment recommendations and future Tees Alliance Partnership Sexual Health Service contracts. Guidance suggests steps such as assessing local need, tailored contraceptive services for young people, contraception post-pregnancy and abortion and training professionals to young person need. For vulnerable children and families safeguarding, early education and multi-agency support is needed.
Strategic Issue 2
STI burden is higher than regionally and nationally, particularly due to the recent outbreak of Syphilis in the Tees Valley. This suggests inequitable access to STI services in deprived areas which may be under pressure due to the impact of local outbreaks.
What needs to be done
Ensure access to services is equitable across the Borough, particularly in areas of deprivation. STI testing outreach in areas of high burden and/or high deprivation by education, reducing stigma and increasing testing. Expansion of LGBTQ+ inclusive services. Using All Our Health guidance and the Tees Sexual Health Needs Assessment recommendations and future Tees Alliance Partnership Sexual Health Service contracts.
Strategic Issue 3
Contraceptive prescription varies between GP and SRH services suggesting a need for clearer access to services. LARC and short acting combined hormonal contraceptive prescribing in GPs is lower than regionally and nationally and injectable contraception prescribing is lower in SRH services than regionally and nationally.
What needs to be done
Contraceptive prescription varies between GP and SRH (Sexual Health Services). LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive) and short acting combined hormonal contraceptive prescribing in GPs is lower than regionally and nationally, whereas injectable contraception prescribing is lower in SRH services than regionally and nationally.
There is a need for integration between GP and SRH services as contraceptive prescription varies between both.