WHAT DO WE DO?

During the consultation, some of the questions we ask are searching, but highly relevant to the diagnosis and treatment and we ask you to cooperate with this important part of the consultation. We think it very important that you feel that you can ask any questions, so if you have anything specific, make a note before you come. It is also vital that you go away having the circumstances fully explained and we shall spend time with you explaining the diagnosis.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Everything that you say and what we find from the moment you make the appointment will be treated in the strictest confidence. All our stafff are trained to protect your confidentiality.

If we need to write to your GP or refer you to another speciality we will only do so with your permission.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

We welcome young people of any age to our service, and will protect your confidentiality and best interests. Occasionally if we feel a young person is at risk of harm, we may have to discuss this with other professionals.

STI SCREEN

One problem with STI's is that they do not always produce symptoms, which means that people infected may be carrying the problem for a long time. Despite the absence of symptoms, infections can be easily transmitted to a partner, which therefore means that if in doubt, have them all checked out. This is the basis of a STI screen; we check for everything that is relevant.

CONDITIONS INVESTIGATED

The important sexually transmitted infections are:

Gonorrhoea – Chlamydia – Trichomonas – Syphilis – HIV – Hepatitis B.

The other less serious conditions that can cause problems are:

Candida – Bacterial Vaginosis – Herpes Simplex – Warts.

TYPES OF TESTS

Many of the tests are taken directly form the genital area, whilst others rely on blood tests. Therefore, to be re-assured that all is clear we require a gentle genital examination with a swab, urine sample and blood tests. None of this is painful but can give a little discomfort.

HEALTH ADVISOR

If any of the serious STI's are found, you will be asked to speak with our health advisor, whose job it is to advise concerning the spread of the condition to other people and to secure their correct treatment.

CHLAMYDIA SCREENING

As part of our full range of investigations, we take part in the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, which is an on-going Department of Health screening programme looking at the confidential incidence of Chlamydia in under 25 sexually active people of both sexes. You may be asked if you will take part in this programme.

HIV TESTING

These days we strongly encourage the taking of the HIV blood test in people whose sexual activity has been at risk. The incidence of HIV in the population is growing, but the treatment regimes are excellent when started when the disease in its early stages. People in the UK do not die in the way they used to from HIV infection.

CONDOMS

We freely dispense condoms as part of the prevention of the spread of infection and encourage our clients to use them in new relationships.

The morning after pill is available when indicated and pregnancy tests can be done.

TEST RESULTS

We try to make the SHC a 'one-stop shop' and therefore try to deal with all infection testing on that day.

However, the knowledge of results is important and we assure those people visiting the SHC that we will contact you if anything important is found after the initial visit by an agreed telephone number within 2 weeks.

Sometimes subsequent visits are required, but this will be discussed during the initial consultation.

Patient feedback is very important to us and we welcome your comments on our service

Some feedback from patients about our clinic:

• "The service is very good and the nurses are very kind"

• "It`s excellent"

• "Dr Hiscock listened and put me at ease and made me feel comfortable"

• "Very helpful"

• "Staff are very approacable and open minded"