I need Emergency contraception – can I go to my GP?
Yes, all practices will offer emergency contraception. Telephone or call in to make an appointment.
What other services can my GP provide?
Almost all GP practices in Lewisham offer sexual health services. Many offer the full range of services including contraception, STI screening, HIV testing and smear tests. You will need to telephone or visit your practice to find out what they can offer you.
What do most practices provide, is it really worth me contacting my GP?
Yes, many practices provide all methods of contraception including pills, IUD’s and implants. They can also offer Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening, HIV testing, smear tests and condoms. Some practices also provide self screening packs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea that can be collected from the reception which do not require an appointment. Further information on contraception and STI’s can be found under those headings on this website.
I do not know the telephone number of my GP practice – where can I find it?
Look in a local telephone directory or go to the NHS choices website (www.nhs.uk) Enter your home postcode under the GP tab of ‘Find and choose services’. As long as your practice is within your local area then you should find details on the first 1 or 2 pages.
I prefer an appointment, can I have an appointment for sexual health services with my GP ?
Yes, all practices will ask you to make an appointment. They may also offer an appointment reminder text service.
I have been registered with my GP practice since I was very young and the practice knows all of my family. Will they keep my visit confidential?
Yes, all visits to your GP practice are confidential. Please be sure to change any contact details with your practice, they may not have your personal contact details but those of a family member if you have been registered with them since you were young.
I have heard about a GP walk in Centre in New Cross, can I go there for sexual health services?
Yes the GP led walk in Centre at the Waldron Health Centre (Amersham Vale, SE8) offers the following
You do not need an appointment to attend this service as a walk in patient
Will my doctors’ surgery be able to do a smear test for me?
Yes, most surgeries can do your smear test. The cervical smear test is offered to all women over 25 years of age.
If I start using my GP for sexual health service do I have to keep on using them?
No, you can access other sexual health services likewise. If you have been seen in a sexual health clinic you can swap and be seen at your GP practice.
I would like the HPV vaccination (the cervical cancer jab) – will my doctors’ surgery be able to offer me this?
At the moment, women aged 18 or over are not routinely offered a vaccination against HPV (the cervical cancer jab). However if you are under 18 your doctors surgery should be able to advise you. By September 2011, all girls aged 12–17 should have been offered the HPV vaccine either at school or by their GP. Please click here for further details.
