The GUM clinic

Concerned about your sexual health? A friendly, informal, free and confidential service with no appointment necessary:

Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic Newcastle General Hospital Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE Tel 0191 219 5013/5011
The clinic is situated at the exit gate of Newcastle General Hospital.

What is the genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic?

It is an outpatient clinic providing advice and treatment for people who:

• are worried about infections which may be spread by sexual contact
• have certain other conditions affecting their genital area.

Staff at the clinic specialise in conditions affecting sexual health and work to ensure that everyone is treated with sensitivity and respect. Open and honest communication whilst respecting confidentiality is very important. An interpreter service is available, but notice is required to organise this.

Who attends the clinic?

Lots of people visit the clinic for all sorts of different reasons. Many come at the suggestion of their family doctor, other specialists or just of their own accord. It can feel awkward to attend, especially for the first time, so we work hard to make people feel welcome.

What happens?

This depends on the specific reason for attending the clinic. However, some of the process is the same for all clients. A form is completed (help can be given) recording personal details you are comfortable with. Every client is issued with a number which, although may seem impersonal, does help to maintain confidentiality. The doctor will talk through the reasons for attending and ask about general and sexual health before suggesting an appropriate examination and tests. Treatment, if required, is free. Test results might not be available straight away.

Health advisers can offer time to cover issues in more depth. For instance, how to avoid future problems or to discuss anyone else who may need treatment.

Is an appointment necessary?

Not for your first visit and you will be seen as soon as possible. Future visits should be by appointment, made before leaving the clinic. It is important that you bring your appointment card with you for every visit.

It is our aim to call you within 30 minutes of your appointment time. A hospital letter is available confirming your attendance at Newcastle General Hospital upon request. It does not specify which department you visited.

Who works at the clinic?

Our experienced team of doctors and nurses are available to treat you and talk things through. Health advisers can often devote more time to explore issues of concern to you, eg, meaning of tests and results, HIV testing, sexual partners, safer sex, emotional concerns, where to get further help and support. Just ask the receptionist if you prefer a doctor of a particular sex. You may wish to return for another session where your requirements can be met.

Students attend the department as part of their training. Please let us know if you object to their presence during a consultation. We fully understand if you would rather this did not happen.

HIV testing?

This is not a routine test, but we are happy to carry this out if, after discussion, you feel this would be helpful. It can be very useful to see a health adviser following discussion with the doctor before you make up your mind about testing. Results of HIV tests are only available the following day if taken on Monday or Wednesday before 4pm. Results will only be given in person, not by telephone.

CHARLOTTE HOBSON, Health Visitor.

Brad Cheek 1998