Twelve people in Swindon were newly-diagnosed with HIV in 2016, the latest figures available from Public Health England.

That’s a rate of 6.8 people per 100,000 aged 15 and over.

While that’s higher than the south west regional rate of 5.4 people per 100,000, it’s significantly lower than the national rate of 10.3 diagnoses.

Those already diagnosed in Swindon are living longer, meaning there are more people living with the condition, but the rate of new diagnoses remains stable.

Figures have been published by Swindon Borough Council in the agenda for its scrutiny committee meeting.

Councillors will be told that council, in partnership with Great Western Hospital NHS Foundations Trust will be launching a new digital sexual health service for patients who may not be displaying symptoms of an STI.

This service for adults will consist of an online triage to ascertain the correct level of testing based on risk and following this a home test will be sent for the standard infections; chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis & HIV.

Follow up will only be required for positive results.

The committee meeting will see Coun Brian Ford, the cabinet member for adults in the Conservative-run authority answer questions from members of the committee.

He will be quizzed on adult social care, and admissions to residential and nursing homes, provision of dementia care, and supported housing.

The meeting starts at 6pm at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.