Most of our services are walk-in clinics, so you do not need an appointment, you can just walk in on the day. For more information, see our
clinics section. All services are free and confidential.
Before your visit
As the clinics are a mixture of walk-in and booked appointments, waiting times are difficult to predict. They can vary from 1 - 3 hours, depending on how many patients come into the clinic. We recommend that you come as early as possible.
At your visit
If it is your first visit, the receptionist will ask you to complete a registration card listing your name, contact address, date of birth and telephone number. This confidential information is held within the department. You may want to provide us with your GP's details but you do not have to. Your GP will only be contacted if absolutely necessary and when we are unable to contact you.
You will be given a clinic number. Please bring it with you every time you come to the clinic.
During your appointment, you will be able to discuss your problems and concerns. Some of the questions we ask you may seem very personal, but they are important to make sure your problems are properly addressed. We appreciate that you may find it difficult or embarrassing, but remember that we are here to help you.
Routine tests
Routine tests are listed below. Your skin is also checked for signs of any problems. You can find out more about the infections at NHS Choices.
Tests for women
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chlamydia
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gonorrhoea
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syphilis
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HIV - see the HIV test page
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trichomoniasis
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thrush
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bacterial vaginosis
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pelvic inflammatory disease
Cervical smear tests are not routinely carried out at our clinic. You should contact your GP for this.
Tests for men
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chlamydia
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gonorrhoea
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syphilis
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HIV - see the HIV test page
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non-specific urethritis
Your testicles may also be examined to check for problems.
Your results
Following a test, you may receive some results the same day. Otherwise, we will write to you within 15 working days if any of your results are positive. Sometimes, the doctor may decide you need a follow-up appointment. If this is the case, we aim to see you within 30 minutes of your appointment time.
Your partners
If you are having treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, we will give you a contact slip to give to your partners. They should hand it in when they attend a sexual health clinic themselves. Your partners need to come to the clinic for a check-up because:
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they may not know that they have an infection
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untreated infections can cause serious problems
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you could get the infection back again
We understand that it might be difficult to tell your partners about the infection. We can help by:
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giving you information and advice about the infection
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helping you decide how to tell your partners
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writing to or ringing your partners if cannot tell them yourself