We want to make sure you can come and see us to discuss what is worrying you, ask questions and get the right help. You are welcome to come on your own or with a family member or friend for support. Here are some points to help:

• Everything you say will be kept private. Doctors and Nurses are bound by something called confidentiality which means they are required to keep what you say private. If they feel you or another person is at risk of abuse then they will discuss with you about speaking to someone else.
• Who can I see? You are able to see a named male/ female doctor or a nurse of your choice. Please look at our rota or ring the surgery to find out when they are working or to book an appointment. You can also book an appointment online see below to find out how.
• Who can I bring? You can bring a friend or family member with you if this makes you more comfortable or we are happy to see you on your own. If you bring someone we may ask you whether you are happy for that person to stay with you especially if we are discussing things such as your mental or sexual health.
• How long? If you feel your problem may take longer than 10 minutes to chat through or you have more than one problem please book a double appointment.
• Get involved. It is your health and we will try to provide you with the information to be able to make a decision about your care/ treatment. If you are over 16 you can make a decision about your own treatment which cannot be overrules by your parents. If you are under 16 you can still make decisions about your own treatment  providing you have the ability to understand fully the options available to you.
• Speaking to Reception. Our reception staff can’t tell anyone you have booked an appointment or been to see us. You don’t have to tell the receptionist why you want an appointment but it can help to make sure you see the right person. If you are at the surgery you can ask to speak to the receptionist in private.
• Online. You can book appointments or order your repeat medication online. Please ask our receptionist for a log in for this service.

Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections, Condoms, Contraception including injections, implants and all coils.

We provide referrals to the local Children's and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

We can also discuss your options with you if you discover you are pregnant and refer you accordingly. You can also access this service directly.

Other Services you can access:

Mental Health advice - http://www.youngminds.org.uk

GUM clinic- Testing for sexually Transmitted Infections

Darlington - 01325 743203

Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics offer a range of services, including:

• testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• advice and information about sexual health
• free condoms
• contraception – including emergency contraception, such as the morning after pill
• pregnancy testing
• HIV testing – including rapid tests that give results in about 30 minutes and counselling for people who are HIV-positive
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) – medication that can help prevent people from developing HIV if they've been exposed to it
• hepatitis B vaccination 
• advice about abortion
• help for people who have been sexually assaulted
• if necessary, a referral to a specialist

Search for a sexual health clinic near you and find out what services they offer.

Who can use sexual health clinics?

Anybody can go to a sexual health clinic, no matter what their age. Some clinics hold sessions for specific groups of people, including young people, gay men and lesbians.

Some clinics require you to make an appointment, while others offer "drop-in" sessions, where you can turn up without an appointment.

Appropriate arrangements should be in place so patients with special needs can access sexual health services – for example, providing access to interpreters. There should also be clinic facilities for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, people who have been sexually assaulted, sex workers and substance misusers.

All services are free and completely confidential, and all tests are optional.

STI testing

Sexual health clinics can offer testing for STIs, such as:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• syphilis
• genital herpes

Depending on which STIs you’re tested for, tests may include:

• an examination of your genitals, anus, mouth and skin
• giving a urine sample
• having a blood sample taken
• a swab from your urethra (the tube through which you pass urine) for both men and women
• a swap from your throat or rectum
• for women, a swab from your vagina or cervix (lower part of the womb)
• an internal examination for women  

Termination of Pregnancy

If you are unsure of your decision we offer a counselling service with a trained nurse counsellor, Trudy Oliver.

To book an appointment with Trudy please phone Bishop Auckland 01388 455110 between 8am - 5pm Monday - Thursday.

To book an appointment for a termination of pregnancy please phone Monday - Friday 9am-5pm on 01388 455333

The legal limit for a termination of pregnancy in this country is up to 24 weeks. In this Trust we offer it until 16 weeks. So while it is important to have an early appointment, please ensure you are at least 5 weeks pregnant when you phone. Our receptionist will ask you some questions regarding this. If at your consultation appointment you are greater than 16 weeks pregnant, we will give you information of other providers.

To register to Kooth, please go to www.kooth.com

If you would like more information on Kooth, or to book free Staff Training or Presentation Talks to young people, please contact Alex White on the details below:

Telephone: 07535 088122                                                

Email: awhite@xenzone.com

CAMHS Helplines for Children

MindEd e-learning to support young and healthy minds - https://www.minded.org.uk

NHS GO app for Health information and advice for young people - http://www.nhsgo.uk/

Recovery college for children, and parents www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk/young-people

Roller coaster is a support group for parents and carers. They can be found on Facebook or Twitter or contacted on 07415380040