Specialist sexual health Garden Clinic service is changing to an appointment-only system
From August, in order to reduce the waiting times for patients, the specialist sexual health Garden Clinic service in Upton Hospital Slough, Skimped Hill Bracknell, and St Mark’s Hospital Maidenhead will be providing the majority of their service via an appointment-only system, although some services will still be drop-in. You will be able to book these appointments online through the www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk website.
Patients have said the waits when attending the walk-in-clinics are too long, and the clinics will now offer online bookable appointments. This will be using technology to assist and guide you through your sexual health needs, and will provide a reliable, safe, confidential service that is modernising the way they deliver services.
Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This change to an appointment only system will make the services available at the Garden Clinic more accessible and reduce waiting times, which will benefit our residents’ health.”
Remember there are many other ways to get the help you need:
• The service is as accessible and convenient as possible; if you want testing for an STI but do not have any symptoms, you are now able to order a home testing kit via the www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk website, this is discreet and safe, and is posted to your home address without attending the service.
• Use your GP - your GP is able to offer most of the routine tests and contraceptive procedures the sexual health clinic provide, and provides this confidentially. You can also discuss options for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) with your GP. For many people, your GP is more local and convenient, and has appointments at times you can access.
• Your local pharmacist may be able to help - community pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who can give you help and advice, and can provide appropriate medication or treatment for many conditions. Examples include treatment for thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis and supplying the emergency contraceptive pill. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room for you to discuss your symptoms with them in a private and discreet manner.
• Need a repeat prescription? Remember to ‘think ahead’ and arrange your repeat prescription with your GP before you run out. Pharmacists can issue medicines without a prescription to known patients in emergency situations - ask your local pharmacist for advice. Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online in many cases.
Patients have said the waits when attending the walk-in-clinics are too long, and the clinics will now offer online bookable appointments. This will be using technology to assist and guide you through your sexual health needs, and will provide a reliable, safe, confidential service that is modernising the way they deliver services.
Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This change to an appointment only system will make the services available at the Garden Clinic more accessible and reduce waiting times, which will benefit our residents’ health.”
Remember there are many other ways to get the help you need:
• The service is as accessible and convenient as possible; if you want testing for an STI but do not have any symptoms, you are now able to order a home testing kit via the www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk website, this is discreet and safe, and is posted to your home address without attending the service.
• Use your GP - your GP is able to offer most of the routine tests and contraceptive procedures the sexual health clinic provide, and provides this confidentially. You can also discuss options for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) with your GP. For many people, your GP is more local and convenient, and has appointments at times you can access.
• Your local pharmacist may be able to help - community pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who can give you help and advice, and can provide appropriate medication or treatment for many conditions. Examples include treatment for thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis and supplying the emergency contraceptive pill. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room for you to discuss your symptoms with them in a private and discreet manner.
• Need a repeat prescription? Remember to ‘think ahead’ and arrange your repeat prescription with your GP before you run out. Pharmacists can issue medicines without a prescription to known patients in emergency situations - ask your local pharmacist for advice. Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online in many cases.
