A new online triage and testing service has just been launched which will make it easier for people who are worried about a sexually transmitted infection to get tested.

This new service is available for people living in the mid Essex area and is simple to use, convenient and discreet.

Using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, anyone can go online and answer a series of questions to assess their sexual risk profile and symptoms.

Provide, a social enterprise organisation that delivers community healthcare services across Essex, has launched the new service in partnership with Time for Medicine; a young company developing cloud based approaches to healthcare, backed by over 50 senior clinicians in 20 specialties.

Information about contraception is also available.

Kez Spelman, Sexual Health Nurse Consultant at Provide said: “The most common sexually transmitted infection is often unnoticeable and easily treated.

"I would urge people to use this new service which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from www.provide.org.uk/your-sexual-health/

“It will give many people reassurance without the need for a visit to a clinic.

"If your enquiry is about contraception, then information is also available, as well of details of what to do next.

“This NHS commissioned service is completely confidential, with all patient data securely stored behind the NHS firewall, and all the information is up-to-date and evidence-based.”

John Niland, Chief Executive of Provide said: “We are delighted to launch this innovative and convenient service bringing healthcare closer to residents.

"It is in line with Provide’s mission to engage technology for the benefit of the communities we serve”.

Clive Minihan, Joint Managing Director of Time for Medicine said: “It has been a pleasure working with the management and clinical teams at Provide to design this novel service.

"We feel this online, easily accessible service will give people a prompt response without necessarily taking time off work or other commitments, while also giving an early indication of those people who need more personal clinical attention."