The government has announced the allocation of extra funding towards the modernisation of sexual health services.

The move follows the publication of a report by the health select committee, which highlighted the poor condition of clinics specialising in genito-urinary medicine (GUM).

In response, health secretary John Reid announced an extra £15 million to be spent improving premises and facilities on Monday, aimed at increasing capacity and reducing waiting times.

"This government is committed to tackling increasing rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections," he said.

"Today's investment will enable the NHS to make the necessary improvements so that patients are treated in high quality premises.

"This comes on top of an £11 million boost announced earlier this year. That money is already being targeted at services where patients face longer waiting times.

"It is also supporting the introduction of an improved test for chlamydia, improving contraception services and extending our HIV promotional work."

"The improvements to premises and facilities which should result from today's announcement will have an enormous impact on the overall quality of services for patients at GUM clinics," he added.

"We are determined to reduce waiting times for sexual health services because we know that a key principle of controlling STIs is to identify infection quickly and start treatment early."