Sexual Health Clinics
Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8XQ
Overview
Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic is a specialist healthcare service located at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on Mytton Oak Road. The clinic provides confidential sexual and reproductive health services to residents of Shropshire and surrounding areas. It operates as part of the NHS integrated sexual health services available in the region, offering comprehensive support for sexual health and wellbeing.
The clinic provides a range of services including contraceptive advice and provision, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, sexual health screening, and reproductive health consultations. The service is designed to be accessible and non-judgmental, catering to people of all ages and backgrounds. Professional staff including doctors and specialist nurses deliver evidence-based care.
The clinic welcomes self-referrals and appointments can typically be arranged by contacting the hospital directly. The service is free to NHS users and maintains strict confidentiality. Opening hours and specific appointment availability can be confirmed by phoning the clinic or contacting Royal Shrewsbury Hospital's main reception for clinic scheduling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic in Shrewsbury provides confidential sexual health services including STI testing and treatment (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, genital warts), free condoms and contraception, HIV testing and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), cervical screening, pregnancy testing and advice, and sexual health advice and support. All services are free, confidential, and available regardless of age or immigration status.
Some services at Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic are available on a walk-in basis, while others require an appointment. STI testing and emergency contraception are often available as walk-ins. Contraception fitting (coils, implants) and specialist consultations usually need booking. Contact 01743 261050 or check the website to see which services require an appointment and current walk-in availability.
Yes, all services at Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic are strictly confidential. Your visit will not appear on your NHS GP record unless you give consent, or there is a safeguarding concern involving someone under 16. Staff will not contact you without your permission. You can use a pseudonym if you prefer. Under the NHS confidentiality code of practice, your information is only shared with those directly involved in your care.
Yes, all STI testing at Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic is free on the NHS. Tests are available for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes, and other infections. Testing usually involves a urine sample, blood test, and/or swab depending on the infection being tested for. Results are typically available within 1-2 weeks. You can also order free home STI test kits online in most areas.
Yes, HIV testing is available free at Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic. A rapid HIV test (finger-prick blood test) gives results in 15-20 minutes. Standard blood tests are also available with results in a few days. You can be tested anonymously. If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, attend urgently for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can prevent infection. Regular HIV testing is recommended if you are sexually active.
Yes, Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic provides emergency contraception free of charge. The emergency contraceptive pill is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex (up to 72 or 120 hours depending on the type). The emergency IUD (copper coil) is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Walk-in access is usually available for emergency contraception.
Yes, Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic provides confidential services for young people of all ages. Under-16s can access contraception, STI testing, and advice in line with Fraser guidelines (formerly Gillick competence). The service is confidential — your parents or school will not be informed unless there is a safeguarding concern. Young people-friendly clinics may be available at specific times.
Yes, partners are welcome to attend Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic for STI testing. If you have been diagnosed with an STI, your partner(s) should be tested and treated. Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic can help with partner notification — letting partners know they may have been exposed to an infection — either through you or anonymously through the clinic. This is an important step in preventing reinfection and onward transmission.
Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic offers a full range of contraceptive methods including combined and progesterone-only oral pills, contraceptive injections, contraceptive implants (fitting and removal), intrauterine devices (IUD/coil) and intrauterine systems (IUS), contraceptive patches and vaginal rings, and emergency contraception (morning-after pill and emergency IUD). A clinician will discuss the options and help you choose the most suitable method. All NHS contraception is free.
Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic can provide support following sexual assault, including emergency contraception, STI testing and preventive treatment, PEP (HIV prevention), and signposting to specialist support services such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). You do not have to report to the police to access healthcare support. Staff are trained to be sensitive and supportive.
An STI check-up at Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic is quick and straightforward. A clinician will ask about your sexual history, symptoms, and what tests you would like. Testing may involve providing a urine sample, having blood taken, and/or self-taken swabs (throat, genital, rectal depending on your sexual practices). Most tests are painless. Results are usually available within 1-2 weeks by phone, text, or online. Treatment is provided free if any infection is found.
Some sexual health clinics including Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic offer cervical screening (smear tests) for women and people with a cervix aged 25-64. This may be particularly useful if you are not registered with a GP or prefer to have screening at a sexual health clinic. Contact 01743 261050 to check availability.
Yes, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available free on the NHS for people at higher risk of HIV. PrEP is a daily tablet that is over 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken consistently. Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic can assess your eligibility, prescribe PrEP, and provide regular monitoring (HIV tests, kidney function tests, STI screening). You do not need a GP referral to access PrEP — contact 01743 261050 directly.
Yes, Shrewsbury Sexual Health Clinic provides free condoms and lubricant. Many sexual health clinics operate a C-card scheme where young people (usually under 25) can register for a card that entitles them to free condoms from participating pharmacies and clinics across the area. Ask at reception for free condoms or about the C-card scheme.