A TOP doctor today revealed that the number of patients with sexually transmitted diseases was soaring across East Lancashire -- because people were ignoring warnings about the HIV virus.

Dr Sedki Gayed said new figures showed that patients seeking treatment at GUM (Genito Urinary Medicine) clinics in Blackburn and Burnley had risen by 40 per cent between 1996 and 1999.

He said the demand for treatment for such diseases had increased to the point where clinics in Blackburn had now been forced to introduce an appointments system to replace the current walk-in scheme.

A similar appointments system will shortly be introduced in Burnley.

Dr Gayed, East Lancashire's GUM consultant, who runs clinics at both Blackburn Infirmary and Burnley General Hospital, said the demand for treatment meant dozens of patients were being left sitting for several hours in the waiting rooms.

He said: "A few years ago HIV was a major worry for many people and sexually transmitted diseases did start to drop because people were taking precautions.

"But now the scares over the HIV virus appear to have reduced, I think that people are starting to take risks again and are practising unprotected sex.

"People have become a bit more relaxed about HIV but they should be cautious all the time. "People should go back to having safe sex."

He said about 60 per cent of HIV cases involved heterosexuals compared to 40 per cent homosexuals. Dr Gayed took up his job in East Lancashire last October after completing his medical training in Birmingham. He said sexually transmitted diseases were increasing nationally -- although he had seen the problem become worse in East Lancashire since he arrived.

Lynne Barton, quality and outpatients services manager for the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, said the drop-in service had become "unmanageable".

She said: "The appointment system will allow patients to be seen on time and have the opportunity to receive treatment, support and advice from the specialist team."

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