What is partner notification?

Partner Notification means telling sexual partners that they may have been exposed to an infection and should get tested.
This is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

It is one situation where it is acceptable to share someone else’s contact information for health reasons.

If you have a sexually transmitted infection, it is important you tell anyone you have recently had sex with.

This helps them:

• get tested
• get treatment if needed
• stay healthy

It also helps stop the infection spreading to other people or coming back to you.

Why do sexual health clinics ask for contact details?

Sexual health clinics ask for information about people who may have been exposed to an infection.

This helps us:

• stop infections spreading
• prevent you getting the infection again
• monitor any outbreaks of infection

What is SXT?

SXT is a digital service which supports partner notification.  It is separate to Leeds Sexual Health.

Leeds Sexual Health now uses SXT to help notify sexual partners that they may have been in contact with someone that has a STI.

If you have a STI, you will be asked if you consent to using SXT.  We may ask for your consent when you have your initial sexual health tests.  This means we can send you the link for SXT if any results come back positive.

How does SXT work?

If you consent to SXT, SXT can then send:

• A text message, or
• An email

The message tells your sexual contact that they may have been in contact with a STI and should get tested.  The messages can be sent by you or can be done with your clinician in clinic.

Your name will not be shared unless you choose to be identified.

How is my information protected?

SXT only uses your information for partner notification. When the process is finished, any information that could identify you or your contacts will be deleted.