1st September 2023
Yesterday, we welcomed the Lord Mayor of Belfast City to our GUM clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Lord Mayor had the opportunity meet our dedicated team, view our facilities and discuss the challenges of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) rate increases in Belfast.
Speaking at the visit, GUM Consultant, Dr Carol Emerson said: “We also talked about HIV diagnosis and how we’re really working hard to prevent new HIV cases because we have such good prevention treatments.”
The staff appreciated and were encouraged by the Lord Mayor’s engagement and open discussion on the importance of testing for STIs to help with increases in infection rates and how life changing STI and HIV testing can be for people.
During the visit discussions were had about how Belfast Trust can Belfast City Council can work together in partnership to tackle the increased rates of STI with opportunities for future collaboration noted.
Dr Carol Emerson added: “The importance of working together because we’re stronger when health, civic society and voluntary organisations come together with that one goal in mind.”