We provide a confidential service to all of our patients, including under 16’s. This means we won’t tell anyone else about your visit without your permission (sometimes called consent). The only time we ever share information without your consent is if you or someone else could be in danger. We would always try to talk to you about this first.

Chaperones (Bring a friend or relative)

You are welcome to bring a friend or relative into any consultation with you. The clinician may also need a formal chaperone, a trained member of our practice team, to sit in on the consultation in some circumstances, or you can ask for a chaperone yourself.

You are welcome to make an appointment for a consultation on any health matter.

The NHS website www.nhs.uk has information on about illnesses and how to live healthily and is a good place to look for advice about most problems. Here is a list of some common issues that affect young adults  and details for other useful support organisations.

 Health issues are concern to young adults...

Acne and spots - This is a common problem for teenagers and young adults which can usually be treated with products available from your pharmacy first but if this doesn’t help then please see a GP.

Diet and exercise - Our nurses and GP’s can provide you with advice and guidance on healthy eating and a sensible exercise plan.

General healthy living information can also be found at www.nhs.uk/livewell/pages/topics.aspx or Google ‘Change 4 Life’

Puberty and periods - There is good information on www.nhs.uk about teen health, normal development and common worries.

Smoking - If you want help and advice to stopping smoking there are local clinics that you can attend. We have such a clinic in the surgery. You can also speak to the pharmacist in your local chemist.

Contraception/Sexual Health - Contraception is free to all men and women of all ages. There are many different methods of contraception. If you would like to talk about this or any other sexual health issue make an appointment with a nurse or GP, you do not have to tell the receptionist why you want the appointment.

Emergency contraception is available here at the surgery, or via pharmacies and sexual health clinics free of charge. It works better the sooner you take it so don’t wait to ask for help, if there are no free appointments you may need to tell the receptionist it is urgent for that day so we can arrange to see you.

The following websites may also be useful:-

www.nhs.uk/livewell/sexandyoungpeople/Pages/Sex-and-young-people-hub.aspx

www.fpa.org.uk

If you would prefer not to come to the surgery, contraception and sexual health checks can be arranged at various clinics in the area by calling 0191 372 8700 to make an appointment, some drop-in clinics are also available, see

http://www.cddft.nhs.uk/our-services/division-of-women,-children-and-sexual-health/sexual-health-services.aspx for details.

Free condoms can be accessed by both sexes via http://c-card.areyougettingit.com/Default.aspx

Chlamydia testing - Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can affect both men and women. Most people have no symptoms and are not aware they have it. It can affect your fertility if untreated. If you have ever had sex we can provide a free test kit which you send off in the post and the results are communicated confidentially directly to you. Please ask at reception, or ask one of the nurses or GPs for a kit.

Pregnancy - If you think you may be pregnant please make an appointment to see a GP as soon as possible.

Bullying, family and relationship problems, stress or depression – Life can be Really stressful at times, particularly during exams or if there is a lot going on at home. If this affects you it usually helps to talk to someone, either in your family or other trusted adult, at school or a GP or nurse.

There are many issues which can affect people, www.childline.org.uk and http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ provide access to information to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people including useful self-help.  Our GPs can support you and arrange onward referral if needed. We will not share information with other people without your consent unless we think you or someone else is at serious risk of harm.

In a crisis you can call The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or Childline on 0800 111.

Alcohol and drugs - If you are concerned about misuse www.talktofrank.com has information regarding drugs and www.talkaboutalcohol.com has information regarding alcohol.

Eating disorders - We can help by directing you to the appropriate support services. The website below also has useful information relating to eating disorders.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Eatingdisorders/Pages/eatingdisordershomepage.aspx

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ also provides access to information to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Please note that you must be registered with Sacriston Surgery to access our services

Useful Websites

NHS UK Contraception Information - http://www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout/pages/sex-worth-talking-about.aspx

Relationships counselling -  http://www.relate.org.uk/

Chlamydia screening programme - http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk/ps/index.asp

Young people LGBT groups and services - http://mesmacnewcastle.com/

Young Carers - http://www.dccarers.org/

The Bridge Young Carers