General information for patients

On this page we are trying to answer any questions you might have:

What we do

The medical GU department offers a free, confidential service for:

screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and other related problems;
advice, support and information about all sexual health concerns;
free condoms and emergency contraception (the 'morning after pill');
HIV care;
clinical psychologist service;
family planning and contraceptive advice.

Confidentiality

Any information you discuss with us is strictly confidential. The exception to this is if you or someone else is at risk from serious harm.

For more details about confidentiality please ask for a copy of our "Clinic Confidentiality" leaflet.

Booking in

You will be seen in time order by the receptionist and then by the Doctor or nurse. Please note that different clinics may be running at the same time which means others may be seen before you.

We will call you by name once we have your details. If you prefer us not to use your name please let the receptionist know.

Please give us reliable contact details as a test result may show something we need to tell you about.

How long will you be in the clinic?

If you have come to a 'walk-in' session they tend to be very busy and you may be here for up to 2-3 hours

If you have come for an appointment we aim to see you within half an hour of your given time.

Seeing the doctor/nurse, having tests taken and getting your results and treatment can take up to 60 minutes.

St Helier Hospital is a teaching hospital, where doctors, nurses and other clinical staff are trained. We may ask if a student can be present during your consultation and/or examination. If you do not wish to take part in teaching in this way, please do not hesitate to say so.

What do we test for?

We routinely check everyone for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. We may also test for other infections after discussion with you.

Please do not pass urine until you have been seen by the doctor or nurse.

If you are here for a check-up we now need only a urine test (men) or self-taken swab (women) and a blood test.

Seeing the doctor or nurse

If you prefer to see a male or female doctor/nurse, please let a member of staff know and we will arrange this if possible.

You will be seen as soon as possible and given time for your individual problem.

The doctor/nurse will ask some questions to get a clear idea of what is wrong or your concerns.

If you have any symptoms, for example pain, discharge, difficulty passing urine, the doctor will examine you and take the tests. We will offer you a chaperone for this examination.

We do not perform routine cervical smears in the clinic. Your GP or family planning clinic can arrange this.

Everyone should test for HIV

We test everyone for HIV unless you ask us not to.

HIV is a virus that damages the immune system.
AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection when the immune system is very weak.
Someone can be infected with HIV and not have any symptoms, sometimes for many years.
If you have HIV medical treatment can keep you well, so it is good to know your HIV status.
If you have HIV and do not know about it you could become ill and the infection may be more difficult to treat. You may also pass on the infection to others.
The HIV test is a blood test which looks for antibodies to HIV.
If someone is infected with HIV it can take up to three months before the antibodies are detectable. So, if you had a risk less than three months ago you may need to repeat the test at a later date.
HIV is not passed on every time someone with the infection has sex. Therefore, just because you have a negative result it does not mean that your partner will too. This is why everyone needs to have a test.