Due to the Covid-19 situation we are running a slightly different service.
Until further notice all walk-in clinics are cancelled and we are only seeing patients with appointments at Swindon Health Centre.
If you have symptoms or would like advice or contraception please call and we can offer you a telephone consultation with a clinician to clarify if you need to be seen in clinic or whether medication can be prescribed for you to collect.
The British HIV Association (BHIVA) and the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) have received a number of enquiries about the UK Government’s Guidance that “members of the public with serious health conditions are asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks.” This is defined in the Guidance as “anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds” which includes anyone living with HIV.
Whilst there is no evidence so far to determine whether people with HIV are at greater risk of COVID-19 acquisition or severe disease, the new advice reflects the lack of evidence by classifying all people with HIV as vulnerable.
The Guidance from Public Health England (PHE) on Social Distancing for Vulnerable Groups, including people with HIV is available here.
More detail is expected soon and this may include specific advice for people living with HIV based on viral load and CD4 count, as people on HIV treatment with a good CD4 and undetectable viral load are not usually considered to have a “weakened immune system” as specified in the PHE guidance. BHIVA and THT will aim to inform the HIV community about new developments in the field as they emerge but right now we recommend following PHE’s “social distancing” advice, which does not necessarily mean “self-isolation.”
It is important to keep your contraception in date - please call and we can offer you an appointment/telephone consultation.
Download the advice document here.
If you are under 18 years of age and need some advice regarding sexual health or contraception please call us on 01793 604038 and we can arrange for you to speak to one of our team.
Home isn’t always a safe place. Schools closing could put some children at greater risk of abuse and neglect and that’s why we’re supporting the NSPCC. If you’re worried about a child or young person, or if you notice that something just doesn’t seem right, NSPCC can help. Their helpline team offer free support and guidance on 0808 800 5000 (8am-10pm Mon-Fri / 9am-6pm weekends), email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit: https://www.childline.org.uk
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Sexual health services across Swindon are provided by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
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