STI Information

STI test kit button

Contraception

Free condoms for 16-24 year olds

Sexual health emergency contraception pharmacies

Button linking to pharmacies that offer emergency contraception

HIV button

Sexual health button HIV testing and assessment

Sexual health for under 25s

Sexual Health for the Under 25s

Sexual assault

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Northamptonshire Sexual Health and HIV service

Northamptonshire Sexual Health Service (NISH) offers the following services: - testing for sexually transmitted infections - outpatient care for blood-borne virus infection including HIV(Summers Unit) - all methods of contraception with ongoing management of complex contraceptive needs - treatment for genital skin/pain conditions - outreach services.

Type

Adult Services - Sexual Health Service

Hello and welcome to the Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV service (NISHH).

We are a friendly, non-judgemental and confidential service.

We understand that it may be very difficult to make the first steps to get in touch.

Our doctors, nurses, support workers, psychologists and pharmacists will always do their best make your experience with us as straightforward and simple as possible.

Who is this service for?

Our service is for everyone, whatever your gender, sexuality, age, race or faith. We have particular services available for young people, where we can offer appropriate information and advice to support you to make safe and informed choices.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea

We offer testing for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Both of these Sexually transmitted infections are bacterial infections.

Get a home testing kit

 

Watch the video to learn what to do with your postal kit

 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia has a high positivity rate amongst under 25 year olds. You can get chlamydia through:

  • unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
  • sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they're used
  • your genitals coming into contact with your partner's genitals this means you can get chlamydia from someone even if there's no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation
  • infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye

It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby.

Therefore, Chlamydia is very easy to catch, but testing and treatment is easy.

Contraceptive pills do not prevent STIs.

Visit the NHS Chlamydia page for more information

Gonorrhoea

The bacteria that causes gonorrhoea are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid.

Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:

  • unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
  • sharing vibrators or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they're used

The bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube that passes urine out of the body (urethra), the rectum and, less commonly, the throat or eyes.

The infection can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you're pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it's important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.

Testing and treatment is easy.

Visit the NHS Gonorrrhea page for more information

 

 

Mpox

Information about Mpox and guidance to follow if you think you may have Mpox

Types of Mpox

There are two specific types (Clades) of Mpox that are currently of concern. Last year, the Clade that was in the UK was Clade 2. This was most commonly seen in men who have sex with men. The new Clade that might cause a problem in the UK is Clade 1. It is associated with exposure specifically in particular areas of Africa so can affect anyone who has travelled or been in contact with someone from those areas.  

 

If you suspect you might have Mpox

If you have had a fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms with a rash AND either of the two bullet points below apply to you, please do NOT book through our online forms or attend the sexual health clinic. Call NHS 111 for advice. You will be advised, tested and managed according to the history you give to NHS 111. Sexual Health is not your first point of contact if you suspect you have Mpox. Mpox is an infection that can be spread in a number of ways, including through sexual contact. Find out more about Mpox on the NHS website. 

  • Have you visited any of these countries in the 3 weeks before your symptoms started?

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, South Sudan, Tanzania or Zambia.

  • Have you been in contact with someone known to have or suspected to have Mpox in the last 3 weeks?

 

NHS 111 will take a history from you and either direct you to isolate at home and advise you on how you will be tested, or if you are unwell they will direct you to an isolation unit within the NHS. Please DO NOT come to the Sexual Health department. If NHS 111 advises you to call sexual health, please do so. Do not use the online booking system or arrive at the reception if you suspect you might have Mpox. You need to be seen in an isolation area.

 

 

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Hormonal Contraception ( morning-after pill )

Emergency Contraception can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you access emergency contraception the more effective it can be. There are 2 types of tablets and the person you see will decide which is the best option for you.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

The most effective form of emergency contraception is to have an intrauterine device (IUD) or copper coil fitted. This can be fitted up to 5 days after you have had sex and is usually done in:

  • family planning or contraception services
  • sexual health services
  • some GPs

Emergency Hormonal Contraception tablets

You can get emergency hormonal contraception (tablets) free from GPs, some hospitals (Accident or Emergency Department), sexual health services and some pharmacies. The pharmacies in Northamptonshire that offer free emergency contraception are listed in the FREE Emergency Contraception boxes below.

You can also buy emergency contraception from some pharmacies if you are older than 25.

What might I be asked if I require emergency contraception?

  • When did you last have sex?
  • Are you using any contraception (condoms or anything else)
  • When was your last period? (it s helpful to have a think about this before you see the person helping you). If it is late, could you already be pregnant?
  • Have you ever had emergency contraception before, and if so when?
  • Do you or anyone in your immediate family have any health problems? Do you take any tablets or medicines?

They will also need to know your age and your name & postcode (this is not so that they can contact you but so they know where you've come from as this informs where funding is allocated to pay for your NHS care).

There are different types of contraception, some that you take every day (called short-acting) and others that are fitted and last for months or years. If you have any medical problems it is important to tell the person looking after you so they can help you make the safest and right choice for you.

Emergency Contraception Pharmacies

Free emergency contraception in Northamptonshire

the pill

Free emergency contraception in Northamptonshire

Free emergency contraception is currently available at the following pharmacies in Northamptonshire:

Daventry area

Spackman and McKenzie - Abbey House Pharmacy (Spackman) - Daventry
Abbey House Surgery, Golding Close, Daventry NN11 4FE
Phone: 01327 702617

Superdrug Daventry
Units 1&2 Foundry Walk, Daventry, NN11 4PN
Phone: 01327 878828

Northampton area

Parklands Pharmacy
1a Coppice Drive, Northampton, NN3 6ND
Phone: 01604 647113

Superdrug
9-11 Wood Street, Grosvenor Centre, Northampton, NN1 2ED
Phone: 01604 624817

Far Cotton
Delapre Crescent Road, Far Cotton, Northampton, NN4 8NG
Phone: 01604 874444

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Free emergency contraception in West Northamptonshire

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Free emergency contraception in West Northamptonshire

You can get FREE Emergency Contraception from one of the following pharmacies around our county.

This is available for all age groups:

Daventry area

Spackman and McKenzie -  Abbey House Pharmacy (Spackman) – Daventry
Abbey House Surgery, Golding Close, Daventry NN11 4FE
Phone: 01327 702617

Superdrug Daventry
Units 1&2 Foundry Walk, Daventry, NN11 4PN
Phone: 01327 878828

Northampton area

Parklands Pharmacy
1a Coppice Drive, Northampton, NN3 6ND
Phone: 01604 647113

Superdrug
9-11 Wood Street, Grosveneor Centre, Northampton, NN1 2ED
Phone: 01604 624817

Far Cotton
Delapre Crescent Road, Far Cotton, Northampton, NN4 8NG
Phone: 01604 874444

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Contraception

Contraception is something that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of types of contraception to choose from, some are like medicines and some are devices that are put inside the body.

When used properly, contraception should prevent pregnancy but condoms are the only form of contraception that also stop sexually transmitted infections. The different types of contraception mean there is a lot of choice, so you can find something that suits you at different times in your life.

It is important to think about what contraception you want to use. If you are thinking about having sex or are already having sex it is a good idea to use contraception, unless you are trying to get pregnant.

Our team can offer all contraceptive methods, however if you are 19 years of age or older and require pills, patches or a ring, this is provided by your GP.  

If you are pregnant and plan to continue with the pregnancy please contact your GP.

You have the right to confidential advice and support even if you are under 16.

Find out about different methods of contraception on the NHS website

Condoms - Barrier Contraception

condom packet

Condoms 

Condoms are types of barrier methods of contraception. Berrier methods of contraception stop sperm from fertilising an egg by creating a physical barrier. 

NHFT offer a free condom service for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24

Condoms are made of very thin rubber or polyurethane and come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colours and flavours. To use a condom it is rolled down over the erect penis and stops sperm coming into contact with a partner s body.

Condoms and femidoms (female condoms) are the only methods of contraception that provide effective protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. You can buy them at any age (even under 16).

Double Dutch is when condoms are used with another form of contraception so that you are protected against pregnancy and infections. Many young people are now using this.

You should check the expiry date (the date it runs out) and for a CE/Kitemark (to check it is made to proper standards).

Oil-based products can make condoms more likely to break, e.g. Vaseline, baby oil and lipstick, but water-based lubricants such as KY Jelly and Senselle can be used.

If a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex, remember Emergency Contraception and a check-up for STIs.

Condoms are free from sexual health and family planning clinics and can be bought in most pharmacies, supermarkets and online BUT:

  • they can slip or split during sex
  • they can be expensive if you are buying them
  • some people find they interrupt sex while you put it on.

Remember!

  • Check expiry dates
  • Check for damage to the packet?
  • Put it on the wrong way? Don t flip it, use a new condom
  • Grease breaks condoms
  • Remove before loss of erection
  • Please dispose responsibly!

 

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The Pill - Short Acting Contraception

the pill

The Pill

The pill is a method of short-acting reversible contraception (SARC). As it is reversible you can change your mind about using the pill at any time. There are two types of contraceptive pills, the combined pill and the mini pill. Both types require you to take a pill every day and they do not protect you against STIs.

Please see your GP for these medications.

Combined Pill

The combined pill is a small pill that contains two hormones which we naturally have in our bodies called oestrogen and progestogen. Taken as the combined pill they stop a woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation). If taken correctly it is very effective. This is also available in patch and vaginal ring forms if you prefer not to take a pill.

They can reduce bleeding, and pre-menstrual tension (PMT) and often help with period pains BUT:

  • some women cannot take them (for medical reasons)
  • they do not protect against STIs
  • they may give side effects
  • you have to remember to take it every day

Mini Pill (or Progestogen-only Pill – POP)

A small pill which only contains one hormone called progestogen. This thickens the mucus at the opening to the womb and makes the womb an unpleasant place for a fertilised egg to attach. Some POPs also stop a woman releasing an egg (ovulation).

The POP can be taken by most women (even those with medical conditions that stop them from taking the combined pill). It can stop your periods BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • you have to remember to take it at the same time every day
  • they may give side effects
  • you can get some irregular bleeding (you may not get a regular period or you may have no period).
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The implant, the coil (IUD) and IUS - Long Acting Contraception

the coil icon

The implant, the coil (IUD) and IUS

The implant, the coil (IUD) and IUS are all methods of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). They last for several years, however as they are reversible you can change your mind about using them at any time. These methods do not protect you from STIs.

Your GP may offer these methods. Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV (NISHH) also offers these methods to all women needing contraception.

The Implant

This is a small soft flexible cylinder (about the size of a matchstick) placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstrea,m so that a fertilized egg cannot settle in the womb and form a pregnancy. Each implant lasts for 3 years and then needs to be removed and a new one put in to continue to prevent pregnancy BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • it can cause irregular bleeding
  • you may have hormone side effects

IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or the Coil

This is a small plastic and copper device which is put into the womb. It stops sperm from meeting an egg and/or may stop an egg from settling in the womb. It lasts for 5 or 10 years. It can also be used as emergency contraception, BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • you can have heavier and more painful periods with the copper coil.

IUS (Intra-Uterine System)

This IUS is like the IUD/coil, except it has the progesterone hormone inside which is slowly released. The progesterone thickens the mucus at the entrance of your womb and makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to settle in the womb and form a pregnancy.

Pros:

  • It can stay in between 3 and 8 years depending on which IUS suits you best, BUT It does not protect against STIs
  • it can cause no periods or irregular periods
  • it cannot be used for emergency contraception
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Natural Contraception

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Natural Contraception

This is when a woman works out when the most fertile time in her monthly cycle is, and then avoids sex without contraception during this time.

It does not mean “withdrawal” (removing the penis before the man ejaculates) and it needs to be taught by a specialist to work properly and the person needs to understand their personal cycle and the way their body works. Everyone will be different. 

Natural family planning will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so the best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use a condom every time you have sex.

When used correctly all the time, fertility awareness methods are between 91% and 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

If you do not follow the instructions exactly, it is only 76% effective, meaning 24 in 100 women will get pregnant when tracking their fertility for a year.

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Sterilisation

Sterilisation

Sterilisation 

This is where the man or woman has surgery to prevent them from ever being able to have children again. It is not usually offered to younger people and you need to see your GP to discuss this. Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV service does not offer sterilisation or referral for sterilisation. Sterilisation does not protect you from STIs. 

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Myths about contraception

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Myths about contraception

Here are the facts: a woman can still get pregnant:

  • if the man pulls out of her vagina before he “comes”
  • if she has sex when she is on her period.
  • if it is the first time she has had sex
  • whatever position the couple are having sex in
  • if she does not have an orgasm
  • if she is breastfeeding
  • if she douches (squirts water into the vagina). This can be harmful to women.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body's immune system lowering your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen at the later stages of HIV. Anyone can catch HIV.

Emergency HIV Testing and Treatment

the pill

Emergency HIV Testing and Treatment

We offer a HIV Emergency testing and medication service up to 72 hours after exposure. If you are worried after condom less sex with someone, that they may have HIV, or you have received a needlestick injury or been the victim of a needle assault, we can provide post exposure medication known as PEP (post exposure prophylaxis).

To check if you are eligible for HIV treatment (PREP), take the online eligibility checker

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How does the virus spread?

single bug cell

How does the virus spread?

HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed on through/from:

  • Blood
  • Semen (& pre-ejaculate)
  • Vaginal fluids
  • Anal mucus
  • Breast milk
  • Mother to child (<1% with medical intervention)
  • Sharing sex toys
  • Sharing needles (UK Needle exchange, started 1985)
  • Contaminated Blood Transfusions (Safe in UK since 1985)

HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat, urine or saliva or through any of the following methods:

  • Touching / Hugging
  • Shaking hands
  • Kissing
  • Spitting
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Sharing toilets
  • Sharing household items, e.g. cups

Symptoms of HIV

Many people with HIV do not know they're infected. Commonly after acquiring the infection, an individual may have flu-like symptoms for 2-3 weeks, before feeling better. Over the longer term, the virus will replicate and kill immune cells leaving the body vulnerable to infection.

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HIV Testing

Sexual health swab

Testing

The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test. This involves testing a sample of your blood or saliva for signs of the infection. Modern HIV tests are very accurate. You can order a test online or visit one of our clinics.

For those most at risk of acquiring HIV, you are eligible to order a free online HIV test.

Know your HIV status (poster) [pdf] 367KB

Find out more about our testing options here 

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HIV Treatments

the pill

HIV Treatments

There is still no cure for HIV but there are very effective treatment options available for people The treatments allow most people with HIV to live a long life and prevent the onward spread of the virus.

Antiretrovirals (ARVs)

If you are diagnosed with HIV you will be offered a combination of drugs that can reduce the amount of HIV to undetectable levels. This means it can stop onward HIV transmission to sexual partners. Antiretrovirals work by stopping the virus from replicating in the body, allowing the immune system to repair itself and preventing further damage. The goal of HIV treatment is to have an undetectable viral load. This means the level of HIV in your body is low enough to not be detected by a test.

There are also medications used to prevent HIV infection. These are PEP and PrEP.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis - PEP 

An emergency HIV treatment can be taken up to 72hrs after exposure to someone suspected of having HIV. This is a month’s course of ARVs that prevents HIV from taking hold. It is available in A&E departments, sexual health clinics and NHS workplaces for staff who may have had needlestick injuries.

PreExposure Prophylaxis - PrEP

An effective treatment which prevents HIV transmission. PrEP is aimed at people who are at higher risk of acquiring HIV.

 

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Sexual Health for Under 25s

Let's talk about sex...

Sex is a normal and important part of our lives, but it is important to stay safe. Only have sex with people when you really want to and never feel forced into having any kind of sexual contact. It’s ok to say "No".

If you have sex with lots of different partners, it’s a good idea to have a sexual health check-up regularly as some infections like Chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms.

If you are attending university or college away from your home town please ensure you are registered with a GP local to your place of education. However, please note that if you are registered with a GP near your place of education you will be taken off your GP list in your home town. It is important you plan appointments for your on-going basic contraception (pills, patches, rings) and take into account holiday periods, to make sure you don’t run out.

Young people's sexual health clinics and drop ins

Young people's sexual health clinics and drop ins

Young people's sexual health clinics and drop ins

Northampton: 03000 270110

Northampton General Hospital, Billing Road, Entrance R

Young people's sexual health clinics - Northampton

Monday

8:30 – 19:30

 

Tuesday

8:30 – 15:30

 

Wednesday

13:30 – 19:30

+ Under 19s Drop-in 16 :00-18: 30
(no appointment needed)

Thursday

8:30 – 15:30

 

Friday

8:30 – 15:30

 

 

Kettering: 03000 274100

Ashwood Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital

Young people's sexual health clinics - Kettering

Monday

8:30 – 17:00

 

Tuesday

8:30 – 19:30

 

Wednesday

8:30 – 12:00

 

Thursday

8:30 – 19:30

+ Under 19s Drop-in 15 :00-16: 30
(no appointment needed)

Friday

8:30 – 12:30

 
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C-Card

condom packet

C-Card

The C-Card scheme is aimed at young people between 16-24 years old who can register to get a range of free condoms, information and advice. The aim of the service is to promote reproductive and sexual health and help young people to access local services.

Many youth organisations, pharmacies and GP practices are part of the C-Card scheme. The C-Card can be used in person at any of these places, at an outreach team college drop-in event or with one of our provider sites such as the Lowdown.

C-Card services and free condoms

The C-Card service offers free condoms, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing, as well as pregnancy tests, if you are under 25.

If you are under 25 you can access free condoms via the c-card scheme in participating locations.

These pharmacies are currently offering C-Card Services (For under 25’s).
All will have different opening times and entry arrangements, so check their website first.
 
Northamptonshire pharmacies participating in C-Card scheme
JB Cawdell Pharmacy High Street, Thrapston NN14 4JH Nene Valley
Moulton Pharmacy High Street, Moulton NN3 7SR Northampton
Odessey Pharmacy 16 Lower Street, Kettering NN16 8DH Kettering
Thursfield & Co Ltd Corby 63 Corporation Street, Corby NN17 1NQ Corby
Far Cotton Pharmacy Delapre Crescent Rd, Far Cotton NN4 8LG Northampton
Finedon Pharmacy 95 Wellingborough Rd, Finedon NN9 5LG Nene Valley
West Chemist 4 Kingsley Park Terrace, Northampton NN2 7HG Northampton
Jhoots Pharmacy Grange Park Wilks Walk, Grange Park NN4 5DW Northampton
Jhoots Pharmacy Northampton 42 Semilong Road, Northampton NN2 6BU Northampton
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Consent

Outline of a crescent moon

Consent

Consent in relation to sex is when we agree to have sex with someone and we want to do this. 

This video explains it clearly.

There should be no confusion.

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Keeping safe

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Keeping safe

Our ‘gut feelings’ are often a good guide to if something ‘feels right’. , If something doesn’t feel right then it’s more than likely that it isn’t, if you don’t feel safe in a situation then take yourself away from it as soon as possible.

Basic common-sense safety tips can help keep us safe. Things like not walking alone at night or letting people know what time your bus is due to arrive so they know what time to expect you.

There are lots of apps you can get on your phone that help you to keep safe, one such app is Hollie Guard. This is a personal safety app which allows you to tell people where you are and if you don’t arrive at your destination when you thought you would. It also has a built-in safety alarm and deterrent alarm, find out more about the app. 

Keeping safe applies to watching out for your friends too. If you see something that looks unusual or not right e.g. if your friend starts to behave differently, tell someone (parent, teacher) about it.

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Healthy Relationships

Rainbow

Healthy Relationships

All relationships will have their highs and lows but a good relationship will be based on respect for each other and open communication. This is the same whether it is a sexual relationship or with your friends and parents, a relationship should be a positive experience in general, for most of the time, (we all have good and bad days!). A healthy relationship is important for general health and wellbeing. You should enjoy spending time together but also allow each other freedom to see your friends without being made to feel guilty. It’s nice to have common interests in a relationship but if you don’t then your partner shouldn’t stop you doing something you enjoy just because they don’t.

Your partner should respect your privacy and this comes with the trust you build in your relationship.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship can be:

  • Your partner insists on reading your text messages or looking at your social media
  • Your partner stops you seeing your friends or makes you feel guilty if you don’t spend time with them when they want you to.
  • You feel pressure to have sex with a partner even when you do not want to but you don’t feel like you can say no.
  • A partner tells you what to wear.

Finding ‘THE ONE’ can be difficult and you may experience a number of relationships before you find someone you are truly compatible with. Some people are not looking for a relationship and want to concentrate on themselves (exams, friendships, work etc) this is ‘OK’. Making yourself happy first will lead on to healthy relationships in the future if you want one.

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Your body

Paper plane

Your body

Getting to know your own body is really important at any age.

Knowing what is normal for your body is good and will help you notice when something changes or isn’t right for you.

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Alcohol and drugs

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Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol is a drug. Like other drugs, it can affect our normal thought processes and we may behave in ways which are not normal for us. We may forget what has happened and may regret what we have done. This can be scary and can mean we end up having sex when we don’t want to.

Some tips for when you are drinking alcohol:

  • Look out for your friends  and ask them to watch out for you
  • Try and avoid too much alcohol e.g. do you need those shots? Try to avoid too much pre-loading
  • Try and plan ahead, if you think you might be having sex that evening, take some condoms with you so you are prepared.

Some people develop problems with drinking alcohol.

Signs that you may have some problems with drinking:

  • Has anyone ever raised a concern about the amount you drink e.g. a parent or friend?
  • Have you or a friend ever had an injury when you were drunk that you cannot remember getting?
  • Are you drinking alone?
  • Drinking more than the nation recommended allowance per week on a regular basis - find about the recommended guidelines
  • Do you need to drink to cope with certain situations

For more information visit:

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Parents

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Parents

Many young people are worried about telling their parents they are thinking about becoming sexually active or that they are in a relationship.

When you come to a sexual health clinic you are asked some questions to see if you understand the advice we are giving you. We also ask a few questions about your safety which we ask everyone who is under 18 years old.

If we are happy you understand what we are telling you and we have no concerns for your safety we would not tell anyone about your visit to us. This includes not telling parents/GP/School unless you want us to. We would, however, try and encourage you to have these discussions so that your parents or carers can support you to be able to get contraception or tests for sexually transmitted infections. Your parents will want the best for you and to keep you safe. If you are being sensible and trying to prevent unwanted pregnancy and infection most parents will be pleased you are trying to protect yourself.

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Chat health

Phone

Chat Health

Are you aged 13- 24 years? Did you know you can speak to a member of the Sexual Health team by text to receive free advice and support?

Using Chat Health, you can text the service on 07312 263114 for a confidential chat about your sexual health.

ChatHealth is a secure NHS text messaging service used by school nurses, health visitors, mental health teams, and sexual health services across the country in NHFT.

The team can help with free testing, advice and contraception, to help you practice safer sex to protect yourself and others.

Further Information

Confidentiality - We might inform someone if we were concerned about your safety but we would usually speak to you first. Your messages are stored and can be seen by other healthcare staff on the team who follow the same confidentiality rules.

Response - We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm we have received your text. Text will only be seen between 9am and 5pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-2pm Friday (bank holidays are excluded). If you need help before you hear back from us contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111.

Messaging - Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some 'number masking' mobile apps). To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text STOP to our number. Messages are charged at your usual rates.

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