What to expect when you come for an appointment

Yes and that includes any treatment you may need.

If it is your first visit we will need to register you on our computer system so it would be useful if you know your address and postcode, and the name of your GP practice.

You will be welcomed by one of our reception team who will take your name (please tell us what you wish us to call you) and any other necessary details, then ask you to take a seat and wait for your name to be called.

If you feel uncomfortable at any time, you can ask the receptionist to find somewhere more private to talk or tell the receptionist that you would rather give your details to the doctor or nurse who sees you.

It is difficult for us to estimate how long you will have to wait, as this depends on how many people decide to drop-in on any particular day. 

All the information in your notes on the computer and from the discussions you have with us are strictly confidential. It can sometimes be useful to share your records with your GP but we will not do this without your express permission to do so. We will ask you whether you are happy for us to send correspondence to your home address or your GP and if you would prefer us not to do this and we need to contact you for any reason, then a doctor or nurse will discuss alternative ways of getting in touch.

The only other time we would tell anyone else about your visit would be if:

• You are under 18 and tell us about someone who has abused you sexually, physically or emotionally
• You are 12 or under and tell us that someone has had sex with you
• Your life is at serious risk
• You tell us about someone under 18 who is being abused
• Another person’s life is at risk

 But we would discuss this with you first and give you all the support you need.

You can bring anyone you trust to be with you in the reception area and even to accompany you when you go into the room to see the doctor or nurse. However, if you choose to have another person in the room with you, we cannot guarantee that they will not share the information you give to us with another person.

A nurse or doctor will show you into a private room to discuss why you have visited the clinic. They will also ask you questions about your medical history, and may take your blood pressure and weigh you.

If you need condoms or other contraception, e.g. pills, then you will be taught how to use them and be given a supply before you leave. If you want a lasting and reliable method like an implant or an injection, we will explain how it works and when you can have it. Sometimes we can do this straight away. Or we may need to make a further appointment for you.

You will only need to be examined if you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection that need to be checked out. If swabs need to be taken (e.g. to check for an infection) then you may be given the option of taking these yourself.

This depends on why you are visiting us. If you are attending for a sexual health screen for possible infections (e.g. a chlamydia test) then we will ask for a urine sample, a blood sample and maybe a vaginal, oral and/ or anal swab dependent on the type of sex you have. But you are in control of the situation and only samples you consent to give will be taken.

No, they are taken using a cotton bud and while this might be a bit uncomfortable, they are not painful.

Yes. If you are aged 16 or over you can come to any of our sexual health clinics and see a receptionist there who will be able to issue you with a supply of condoms.