This is an area of patient care, which we feel very strongly about. Cripps health centre and its doctors have a long tradition of providing a high quality service with experienced and considerate staff, in a location convenient to our patients. However, the NHS is changing and provision of this area is in a state of change. The new GP contract in 2004 meant we could not provide this service. In early 2006 with support of our local Primary care trust (PCT) we were able to run a pilot offering sexual health screening. We are currently trying to arrange a service on a more permanent basis. Information about forthcoming service changes will be posted on the home page as ‘news’.

Currently, screening for individuals with no symptoms is carried out by GUM Clinic, The Health Shop and Victoria Health Centre (chlamydia screening only)

If you have symptoms then we still provide most of the services you’ll need. Such symptoms include: discharge from penis or vagina, pain in either, pain with intercourse, bleeding between periods (often not an STI cause), sores/lumps or lesions on genitals and itching in those regions.

Contact with an individual who has a confirmed STI but with no symptoms in you does not constitute a symptomatic case. It may be necessary to refer you outside – as above. Discuss the individual case with a nurse or doctor.