Changes to Emergency Contraception in Pharmacies
More pharmacies will be offering free emergency contraception, following changes made across the country by the NHS.
Pharmacies are working hard to start this, but this may not be something they can offer straight away. Before visiting a pharmacy, please call them to see if this is something they’re able to offer yet.
You can access free emergency contraception from sexual health clinics.
Extended Licences for Hormone Coil and Implant
Some types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) have had an extension in their licence. This means they are safe and effective to be used for longer than previously.
Some types of hormonal coil (IUS) are now licensed for 8 years for contraception purposes. These are:
– Mirena
– Benilexa
– Levosert
The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is now licensed for 5 years for contraception purposes (this has increased from 3 years).
This applies to implants and IUSs that have already been fitted. If you have one of these methods and are happy with it, please note the new expiry date. If you wish to discuss this further, please attend for a contraception consultation (walk-in or booked), or see your GP. Our service will not change these methods earlier than the new lifespans.
Vaccinations for MenB (used for gonorrhoea prevention) and Mpox
We can offer MenB and mpox vaccines in our services for those who are eligible to be vaccinated. Please be aware that our clinics will be vaccinating patients attending clinics as part of their routine care. Specific eligibility criteria must be met for vaccination. The focus for these vaccines is for gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, attend sex on premises venues, or engage in group sex. We will identify patients attending our clinics who meet the eligibility criteria to be offered the vaccine.
Important service information
Abuse towards staff is not tolerated – Aggressive, violent and threatening behaviour towards NHS staff or other service users will not be tolerated. Individuals behaving violently towards staff or other service users will be reported to the police.
Accessing services – Appointments will be booked according to your initial clinical assessment; this means you may not get an appointment on the same day you call. A staff member will advise you on accessing the required service. This may be through our walk-in service, an online STI testing kit (ages 16+), a telephone or booked clinic appointment.
Booked appointments – Appointments can be booked online, or by calling 0808 178 0955 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Telford & Wrekin) or 0300 404 2996 (Shropshire). Please arrive 10 minutes BEFORE your appointment time. You may have to be re-booked if you have not arrived by your designated appointment time.
Male and female clinicians – We have male and female sexual health staff working in our clinic, who carry out intimate examinations and coil procedures. We cannot guarantee whether your clinician will be male or female on the day.
No children in clinic – Due to the nature of our services, it is not always appropriate for children to be present during your visit. If you bring children with you, we may not be able to see you for your appointment. If you are unable to attend the clinic without your children, please contact our team and see if this is something we are able to accommodate.
Phone lines – Please be aware that our phone lines are very busy and there may be a delay in answering your call. If your call is not urgent, you may have a shorter wait if you call in the afternoon, when our phone lines are quieter.
Services available without visiting a clinic
You may be able to get the service you need elsewhere:
STI testing – If you’re 16 or over with no symptoms, you can order an STI testing kit online.
Contraceptive pills – You can get oral contraception from your GP or some pharmacies.
Emergency contraception – You can get the emergency contraception pill (a.k.a “the morning after pill”) at some pharmacies.
Condoms – Register for a C-Card online (ages 16+) or see a list of places where you can register (ages 13+), by visiting our C-Card page