This section tells you where and when you can access the sexual and reproductive health services that you need. It lists the names of the services that are offered by NHS Lothian and gives you the place, the opening times and contact details.
Chalmers Sexual Health Centre
2A Chalmers Street
Edinburgh
EH3 9ES
0131 536 1070
Buses 23, 27 , 35, 45, 47 and N27 all come past the door of Chalmers.
You can find details of bus services, routes and timetable here:
www.lothianbuses.co.uk
What services do we offer?
There are morning, afternoon and evening clinics throughout the week where we provide all methods of contraception, emergency contraception, STI advice, testing and treatment, HIV testing, HIV care, PEP, pregnancy advice, referral for termination of pregnancy, smear tests and a range of specialist clinics. Specialist clinics include, sexual assault, gynaecology, colposcopy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and complex contraception.
We have services specifically for men- who- have- sex –with- men. Find out more about what we offer in our clinics.
HOW DO I ARRANGE TO BE SEEN?
Walk -in (no appointment needed)
If you have symptoms or you feel that the problem is urgent and can't wait, you may come to our walk-in clinic. Our walk-in clinic is open 8.30am-10.00am Monday - Friday (this is a very busy clinic that rapidly gets full. Later arrivals are interviewed by one of our nurses who will add urgent cases to the day's list. Patients with less significant problems may be asked to try again on another day). Please click here to view a video of what happens at the walk-in clinic
When you arrive at the clinic you will require to take a numbered card at the entrance to the clinic. You will then be seen by a nurse who will assess your needs and if you require an appointment that day. Once you have your appointment time you do not need to wait in the clinic reception area, as it may be several hours until your appointment time. You should aim to return 10 minutes before your appointment time. If an appointment is not required you will be advised by the nurse of your next steps.
If you come from outside the UK, the leaflet SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic explains what services are available.
What if I prefer to make an appointment?
We offer a wide variety of opening times with appointments available in the afternoons and evenings.
Patients can phone 0131 536 1070 for an appointment which are released each Wednesday after 2pm for appointment in three weeks time.
Phone lines are generally open;
Monday - Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday 9.00am -4.00pm
You do not need to be referred by a GP.
These lines can get extremely busy first thing in the morning and over lunchtimes and would ask that you bear with us at these times.
CAN I PHONE FOR ADVICE?
If you need advice about a problem you can phone us on 0131 536 1070 and select 'option 3 - Medical Advice'. You will speak to a nurse who will either give you the advice you need, or make an appointment for you at the most appropriate clinic. If you have an urgent problem we will see you the same day. You will be told when to come to the clinic and will then have to wait to be seen.
YOUNG PEOPLE
Under 16 ? You can drop in anytime from 8.30am till 7.30pm and a nurse will speak to you and see what you need. We will make sure you are looked after and seen quickly by someone who can help you. Find out more about what happens to you at our clinics.
Remember the service is confidential and unless you or someone else is at serious risk of harm we will not discuss what you tell us with anyone.
18 or under? You can drop in any morning like everyone else. The walk in clinic runs every morning Monday to Friday 8.30am to 10am.
Alternatively you can phone for an appointment (these appointments are opened three weeks in advance) for the young person's session held on:
- Monday between 1pm and 3.30pm
- Monday between 5pm and 7pm and
- Friday between 1pm and 3pm.
It might be quieter at these sessions and you are more likely to be seen quickly
If you are over 18 years of age and worried about STI you might want our 'no talk test' option.
Specialist clinics AT CHALMERS SEXUAL HEALTH CENTRE
For most of our specialist services you will need an appointment. Look for the clinic you are interested in to see when it is on and how you get an appointment.
Gynaecology
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic . We will send you an appointment in the post. You will usually have to wait several weeks for an appointment. If your GP thinks the problem is urgent we will fit you in to the clinic as quickly as possible.
Adolescent gynaecology
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic. Adolescents experiencing significant menstrual problems or with health conditions which may affect their sexual and reproductive health can be assessed and treated at this clinic.
Menopause
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic. We will send you an appointment in the post. You will usually have to wait several weeks for an appointment.
Vasectomy
If you want to arrange a vasectomy operation you should ask your GP to refer you or you can write to us to arrange an appointment. Follow the link to find more information about what is involved in having a vasectomy.
To refer yourself write to: Vasectomy Secretary, Chalmers Sexual Health Centre 2a Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9ES or phone 0131 356 1070
Sexual Problems
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic. The Sexual Problems Clinic is a specialist clinic which exists to help men and women with problems they may have in their sexual relationships. Individuals may attend the Clinic alone or with a partner, depending on their circumstances and on the nature of their problem.
Complex Contraception
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic. Some women need specialist advice because of medication they are on or health problems that might mean they cannot have certain methods of contraception. Others need investigation of symptoms or side effects they have developed while using contraception. This clinic offers a 'one stop shop' for investigation and provision of contraceptive method.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Referral via GP or sexual health clinic, or self referral If symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are affecting work, education, relationships, social life and general well being then we can offer information, treatment and follow up which can often make a difference. To refer yourself write to:
PMS Clinic
Chalmers sexual health centre
2a Chalmers Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1NL.
Gay Man's clinic at Chalmers
For HIV testing, hepatitis A and B vaccinations, Hepatitis C testing, Syphilis testing. Testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
The Gay Man's Clinic is open from 5pm to 8.00pm every Wednesday evening. Appointments are available by phoning 0131 536 1070. If you have an urgent problem, you can attend the walk-in service between 5-6pm on a Wednesday afternoon. Again this can get very busy very quickly and we would recommend you come as early as possible.
If the clinic is busy you may have to wait until the end before you are seen.
There are no other clinics running in the same part of the building at the same time so that privacy is ensured. The clinic offers a full range of tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. HIV counselling and testing is provided.
Local Sexual Health Clinics
There are a number of smaller more local clinics which you might prefer to use. These offer all methods of contraception, including emergency contraception, pregnancy tests and referral for termination of pregnancy, routine STI tests and treatment and smear tests. Use the list below to find the clinic nearest to you.
Edinburgh
Sexual Health at Craigroyston
Health Centre, 1b Pennywell Road, Edinburgh Google Maps
Tuesday 9.30am-11am
Appointment and drop-in
Phone 0131 536 1070 to make an appointment
Sexual Health at Craigmillar
Medical Centre, 106 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh Google Maps
Thursday 9.30am-11.00am
Appointment and drop-in
Phone 0131 536 1070 to make an appointment
Sexual Health at Sighthill
Health Centre, 380 Calder Road, Edinburgh. Google Maps
Tuesday 5.00pm-7.00pm
Wednesday 9.30am-12.00pm
Appointment only
Phone 0131 536 1070 to make an appointment
Sexual Health at Wester Hailes
Health Centre, 7 Murrayburn Road, Edinburgh. Google Maps
Young People's Clinic: For under 25s only
Wednesday afternoon 2pm-4pm
Drop-in only
Sexual Health at Leith
Leith Community Treatment Centre, Junction Place, Edinburgh. Google Maps
Thursday 2.15pm - 4.15pm
Drop In Only
Midlothian
Sexual Health at Dalkeith
Dalkeith Health Centre, 24 -26 St Andrew's Street, Dalkeith. Google Maps
Friday 9.30am-11.00am
Appointment only
Phone 0131 536 1070 to make an appointment
West Lothian
Sexual Health at Bathgate
Primary Care Centre, Whitburn Road, Bathgate. Google Maps
Monday 1.30pm-4.00pm and 5.00pm-6.30pm Appointment only. To make an appointment please phone 0131 536 1070
Bathgate Young People's Clinic
Primary Care Centre, Whitburn Road, Bathgate. Google Maps
Friday 1.30pm-3.30pm Drop-in only Under 20s only
Sexual Health at Howden
Howden Health Centre, By St Johns Hospital, Livingston. Google Maps
Tuesday 1.00pm-3.30pm and 6.00pm-7.30pm Appointment only
To make an appointment please phone 0131 536 1070.Tuesday 4.30pm-6.00pm Drop-in (Registration from 4.00pm)
Thursday 1.00pm-7.30pm Appointment only (No drop-in available)
To make an appointment please phone 0131 536 1070.Friday 9.00am-10.30am Drop-in (Registration from 0830am)
Friday 11.00am-12.00pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm Appointment only
To make an appointment please phone 0131 536 1070.Sexual Health at Whitburn
Health Centre, 1 Weavers Lane, Whitburn Google Maps
Wednesday 1.30pm-4.00pm and 5.00pm-7.30pm Appointment only Phone 0131 536 1070 to make an appointment
N.B At present we are updating our clinic
templates. Please bear with us if we cannot book you an appointment
whilst these updates are being completed.
Other useful services
ROAM Outreach Clinic
Confidential and anonymous out-of-hours walk-in service
For gay and bisexual men
Monday 5pm-7pm
ROAM Clinic, ROAM Outreach, Spittal Street Centre, 22-24 Spittal Street,Edinburgh. Enter at the Exchange on Lady Lawson Street.
For further information call 0131 537 8300.
www.roam-outreach.scot.nhs.uk
For walk-in services please arrive at the beginning of the clinic as those without appointments are seen on a first come, first seen basis.
HIV Counselling Services
For same-day confidential testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Confidential psychological support and counselling to anyone infected or affected by HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
Western General Hospital
Counselling Clinic Ward 41, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh.
Wednesdays and Thursdays
Appointment times 8.15am, 9am and 9.45am with test results the same day. Other appointment times are available by arrangement but results are not available the same day.
Appointment only
To make an appointment phone 0131 537 2864.
Services in the Borders
For STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, advice on STIs and HIV, HIV care, contraception, emergency contraception, longer lasting contraception, advice on and referral for termination of pregnancy.
Borders Sexual Health Service
For information visit the website at www.borderssexualhealth.org.uk
