SEXUAL health clinics across Dorset are being closed as part of a shake-up of services, despite recent figures showing sharp rises in the number of people contracting diseases.

Included in the “reorganisation” announced by Dorset HealthCare (DHC), Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals (RBCH) and Dorset County Hospital (DCH) trusts, is the closure of a weekly clinic at Bournemouth University and evening sessions at Pelhams leisure centre.

NHS chiefs have said that the changes “meet demand”, provide “faster and more effective” support and “reduce unnecessary appointments”.

The clinics provide advice and support on sexual health, including contraception and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

Figures revealed earlier this month showed that there had been a sharp rise in the number of people being diagnosed with gonorrhoea and syphilis in England last year.

The president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV said that cuts to sexual health services were coming “at the worst possible time”.

“Dramatic increases in syphilis and gonorrhoea are a huge concern and must provide a wake-up call to the government about the importance of ensuring that high-quality, easily-accessible sexual health services are available for all those who need them,” Dr Olwen Williams said.

“Worryingly however, we are seeing an increase in the number of clinics that are being closed and patients are finding it increasingly difficult to access care.

“With the recent emergence of multi-drug resistant sexual infection, cuts in funding are coming at the worst possible time and are leaving services across the country at tipping point.”

The changes in Dorset will also see the closure of clinics in Dorchester with the aim of having most appointments at two “hubs” – The Junction in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth and Trinity Street in Dorchester.

Sarah Brace, Dorset HealthCare’s sexual health service manager, said: “We want to create an integrated service across Dorset where patients have access to high quality care from the right professional, in the right place and at the right time.

“While some people might have to travel further to reach our two hub clinics, we will have a broader range of appointment times and expertise to meet people’s needs.”

The shake-up is part of plans outlined in the Dorset NHS Clinical Services Review, and is based on feedback from patient surveys and staff focus groups, according to DHC.

Clinics in Christchurch and Poole will not be affected by the changes.