Confidentiality
Our sexual health and contraception services are confidential – even for those under 16 years old.
No-one can access our patient records apart from staff working in our clinics.
All of our tests are sent away under a clinic number and patient’s date of birth, so no-one outside of our service will know about tests performed or test results – this includes GPs, hospital clinics, school nurses, etc.
We do not routinely share information about clinic attendances with anyone else unless you want us to. It can be helpful sometimes for us to work with GPs and other services and let them know about care we have given or treatments we have supplied – but we won’t do this without checking with you first.
If we have concerns about a person’s safety we may need to share this information with another professional. However we would try to let the person know that we were going to do this, as long as it is safe for us to do so.
If you have concerns about confidentiality, please talk to a member of staff who will be able to answer your questions.
We take confidentiality very seriously and all of our staff are trained in managing sensitive situations.
Frequently asked questions about
confidentiality
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I’m under 16, will you tell my parents?
No. We will encourage you to talk to your parents or carer about why you are here but it’s your choice. If we are worried about you, for example if we thought you were being exploited or abused, then we have a responsibility to inform someone. Usually we will talk this through with you first.
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Will you talk to my family doctor (GP)?
No. We have a separate set of patient records for you which are not shared with anyone. Occasionally it might be helpful to talk to your GP about treatment but we will always ask for your permission first.
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Will you send test results to my home?
No. We can give you a choice of how you want to receive them. Most people get their results by phone call or text message.
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What if someone sees me at the clinic?
This is one of the things that most people worry about, but there are lots of reasons why you might be visiting a clinic. You may be here because you need some advice about how to enjoy a healthy sex life. You may be visiting to register or collect condoms or you might be here to get tested for an STI. The majority of people that visit a sexual health clinic have negative test results. Either way, you are taking responsibility for your health and for your partner’s health and we think that is something to be proud of.