This section provides information regarding the process of partner notification at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) when a patient is diagnosed with an STI.

Sections include:
Letters for Sexual Partners
Government Surveillance Forms for Notifiable Conditions
Privacy Legislation

Partner letters are given to patients when they have been diagnosed with an STI. These are specifically for notifying the partner of the patient.

This is the simplest method of partner notification. If you would like an example of the partner letters used at MSHC, they are available for download from the Partner Letters page.

Sometimes patients do not feel comfortable in using these letters and prefer to use the Partner Notification Officers (otherwise known as Contact Tracers).
The Partner Notification Officers are employed by the Department of Human Services to assist in contacting partners in situations where the patient/client is unable to do so.
This is done in a confidential manner and the name of your patient/client is not required. The Partner Notification Officers may be contacted directly on 9347 1899 or via MSHC. Refer to the Contact Us page for further details.

Additional information on partner notification: The Department of Human Services has released updated "Guidelines for the management in Victoria of people living with HIV who put others at risk 2003-2005". The aim of the guidelines, which have been endorsed by the Chief Health Officer, is to assist staff working with individuals whose behaviour may expose others to the risk of HIV transmission.

If you would like further information on these guidelines, please refer to the Management Guidelines section on this website.