NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding people that they can still access sexual health services during the covid-19 crisis.

Patients can contact their usual GP practice to discuss arranging appointments for issues such as pill checks, contraceptive injections, coil fitting, implants and STI checks.

Sexual health and contraception advice, including advice on access to emergency contraception are also still available from Sexual Health Sheffield by calling 0114 226 8888 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

When patients contact the service they will be called back by a nurse, doctor or pharmacist who can offer advice and information, they can also issue prescriptions, arrange emergency appointments or refer on to other services if needed. They can offer advice and support with the following:

• General contraceptive advice
• Advice on issues with long acting contraceptives (coil, implant etc.)
• Alternatives to long acting contraceptives
• Pregnancy choices counselling
• Emergency contraception counselling

Dr Kirsty Gillgrass, GP and Clinical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “It’s really important that we look after our health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak and this includes looking after our sexual health too, we want to avoid unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

“We want to remind everyone that the NHS is still ‘open for urgent care’ and we urge people not to put off seeking help in an emergency or leave symptoms unchecked.

“If you have questions or need advice on pregnancy or contraception, please contact your own GP on their usual number, or contact Sexual Health Sheffield on 0114 226 88888 and the team will arrange for a clinician to call you back.

“If you think you might have an STI it’s important to get this checked as soon as possible, contact your GP practice or Sexual Health Sheffield who will be able to offer advice on how to get tested. If you do have to attend an appointment, staff will be wearing personal protective equipment to protect both you and them from coronavirus.”

For information on accessing emergency contraception, and where to get free condoms and STI self-testing kits, visit www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk.