SHIP HIT says goodbye to director Paddy Horner

Dr Paddy Horner, Associate Professor in Sexually Transmitted Infections at the University of Bristol, is retiring at the end of February. He will be hugely missed by our Sexual Health Improvement Health Integration Team (SHIP HIT), where he has been a director for nine years.

Bristol Health Partners would like to thank him for his contribution and the impact he has made.

Paddy has played a key role in improving sexual health in our region and beyond over the last 28 years. In his research and clinical roles, his work has enhanced our knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, control of and management of chlamydia; the epidemiology, natural history and effective management of Mycoplasma genitalium and the aetiology, diagnosis and effective management of nongonococcal urethritis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men.

One of his key achievements with the SHIP HIT was working with Unity Sexual Health, UKHSA South West Regional Laboratory, University of Bristol, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Sexual Health Commissioners and Public Health leads, to design, introduce and evaluate Unity’s innovative rapid STI testing service. This was a fantastic collaborative effort which led to a service which gives the population of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire access to online self-testing, and is highly valued by both patients and staff.

Paddy says:

“I’m looking forward to getting out and about and enjoying the countryside in my retirement! I’d like to say thank you for being such supportive, caring, committed and enthusiastic colleagues.”