A MUM has hit out at sexual health services in Bracknell after claiming her son caught an infection and hasn’t received treatment.

The woman said her son has been trying to order a sexually transmitted infection (STI) kit for three weeks and has been unable to book a GP appointment.

Bracknell sexual health clinic at Skimped Hill Health Centre is currently open one day a week.

She said: “Currently we have a growing local population of over 110,000 plus, but for that we have a sexual health clinic in Bracknell which is only open one day per week, less when you take into account bank holidays.

“And for all ages there are limited hours, with Thursday being for people who are under 18 years old only.”

The mum said she is concerned about youngsters aren’t receiving treatment quickly enough and says she worries about dating app users.

READ MORE: People ‘more likely to seek sexual health services after bank holidays’

She is calling for Bracknell council to increase the number of free tests it provides and improve the opening hours of the clinic. Currently the council funds only 15 free STI test kits per day.

Addressing the council, the mum said: “Please take this exceptionally seriously and look at all possible funding allocations which should be available as soon as possible.

“This vital service has pretty much collapsed and is failing our local community.”

Finally, she called for an urgent council meeting to be convened and an investigation into the issues she has raised.

Health matters in Bracknell Forest are undertaken on the council’s behalf by Public Health Berkshire.

READ MORE: Bracknell council on hunt for sexual health service provider for STI tests and more

Responding to the issues raised, Tessa Lindfield, the Director of Public Health for Berkshire East, said: “Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (BHFT) is the local provider that Bracknell Forest Council commissions to deliver specialist sexual health services.

“Data for April to June 2023 shows that 98 per cent of service users calling the service for an appointment during reception’s opening times are triaged within 30 minutes, with 97 per cent of service users seen within two days.

“There are appointment times available throughout the week, including evenings, across the sites available within Berkshire.

“Members of the public can access sexual health services outside of the area where they live too, for instance, at locations or times of day closer to their social appointments or place of work.

“We want to make sure that our residents understand that help is available if they need it, and no one should delay seeking care.

“If they reach out to our services, they can expect a timely response.

“We remain committed to improving sexual and reproductive health and continue to work with our service providers to shape the services around the needs of our population.

“Improving the equity of access to sexual health services, including in person appointments, is something we will be addressing as part of our sexual health service commissioning, which we shall soon be undertaking.

“Improving digital access to sexual and reproductive health services is a priority locally and we have been working with experts in good digital design to understand how we can do this well.

“It is important so that people access both the testing they may require alongside good quality triage and advice.

“But, if someone is experiencing symptoms they should not wait for a test, but should get to a clinic as soon as possible, to receive the treatment that is required.”