Elsenham Surgery
Teenagers / Young Adults
We appreciate your special needs at this challenging time of life, and we're here to help you.
Confidentiality
Conversations and decisions ARE CONFIDENTIAL. All our staff (and that includes our Receptionists, Secretaries, Dispensers and Ancillary Staff, as well as Clinical Staff) are trained to follow Government rules relating to confidentiality.
What this means...
We provide a confidential service to all our patients, no matter what their age. Young people under the age of 16 have the same right to confidentiality as adults. This means that we don't tell anyone else that you have seen us or any details about you, unless you want us to, of course.
The only reason we might have to think about sharing details about you with another Professional is if we believed that your health, safety or welfare was at risk. But this would never, ever happen without discussing it with you first.
How to see a nurse
We know that sometimes you can’t make an appointment in advance, so we like to offer teenagers and young adults the option of just dropping in for some health advice. Our Teenager & Young Adults Drop-In Clinic is open Mondays, 5pm – 6pm and Wednesdays, 4pm – 5pm. Just turn up during the clinic times and say you’d like to see the nurse. You don’t need to say what it’s about and our receptionist won’t ask you.
The nurse can offer advice (and tests if needed) about sexual health, contraception including the pill and condoms, travel advice, weight management, immunisations and acne amongst other things.
You can, of course, make an appointment with a nurse if you prefer by phoning 01279 814730.
How to see a doctor
Please phone 01279 814730 for an appointment. You can choose to see any of our doctors, and if you have something sensitive to discuss and would prefer to see either a male or female doctor, just say so when you call.
How to ask for telephone advice
If your query is straightforward and you don’t think you need to meet face-to-face, you can also ask for telephone advice with a nurse or your doctor. If you want to do this please let the receptionist have your name, telephone number and message. The nurse or doctor will call you as soon as they can.
When we are closed
If you require urgent advice or treatment outside normal working hours please ring The Emergency Doctor Service on 01371 877410.
Or, you can get free confidential health advice 24/7 from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
I need advice on contraception
The practice nurse can advise you about contraception and arrange a prescription.
Or you can attend a family planning clinic, a specialist confidential clinic that deals only with contraception and does not pass on information to anyone else, including your doctor and your doctor’s surgery.
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The Family Planning Clinic at the Herts & Essex Hospital, Bishops Stortford is open Mondays, 6pm—8.30pm (Tel: 01279 657759)
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You can also ring the Sexual Health Clinic at Galen House, Harlow on 01279 694902, or
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The Young People’s Information Centre, Harlow on 01279 625735 for their opening times.
I want to join the C-Card Scheme
We operate the “C-Card” scheme — a free condom service for people under 20 years of age. The first step is to register with the nurse. Having a card means that you can get free condoms at places which display the C-Card sticker or poster.
For more information about this service, check out the official C-Card website: www.essexc-card.co.uk
I need “emergency” contraception, otherwise known as the “Morning-After Pill”
The emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. You should see the nurse or doctor who will consider prescribing it. It is also available from any family planning clinic, A&E or can be bought from the chemist. The earlier it is taken, the more effective it is likely to be.
I think I may be pregnant
See your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. If you can, please take a pregnancy test first. The doctor or nurse can provide help and advice on all aspects of pregnancy.
Our Commitment to You
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We are committed to offering non-embarrassing, non-judgemental health care
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We will provide you with information, not lectures
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We will give explanations in plain English, not medical jargon
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You will be treated with the same respect as adults
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We will make you aware of your choices in health care
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You will be made aware of the duties of doctors and the rights of patients, eg confidentiality
Website links which may be of
interest:
Click here to see all our Practice Clinics.