This latest release presents data on STIs and other activity in GUM clinics for 2006.  In 2005 a mandatory service code was introduced to each record.  These provide a more accurate picture of screening services offered to each patient when they first attend a Scottish GUM clinic.  These new service codes replace those previously used for recording a negative STI/HIV test. Some records will now only show a service code, whereas in the past a non-specific diagnostic code would have been recorded.  This change should be borne in mind when examining trends in workload, particularly when considering activities, which are not related to specific sexually transmitted infections.

Data included in these supplementary tables are submitted by GUM clinics using the web-based STI Surveillance System (STISS) which was phased in during 2004 and replaced the ISD(D)5 system.  At that time some new codes were introduced and some of the coding groupings were modified.  These new groupings were applied retrospectively so there may be some inconsistencies with previously published data. 

For the years 2001-2003 a few clinics were unable to submit a small amount of data.  This ?missing? data has been imputed and therefore, some of the NHS Board data for this period may be slightly inaccurate, but the overall effect on the national data should be negligible. 

The contribution of all staff at genitourinary medicine clinics involved in the collection and collation of STISS (formerly ISD(D)5 ) is gratefully acknowledged

• Supplementary tables
• Previously published tables
• Diagnostic codes and groupings

For a link to the Scottish publication 'Setting The Scene' click here .

For a link to the UK publication 'Mapping The Issues' click here .