During consultations with the nurses, doctors and clinical pharmacists, patients may discuss all aspects of sexual health and sexuality including HIV, Hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and health screening (cervical cytology testing/’smears’, breast checks, and testicular examination). All consultations follow the strictest rules of medical confidentiality. If you wish to arrange to speak with a clinician about these, please contact our reception team on 0113 295 4488. Some services may be available via online booking or via the electronic service PATCHs but please see the individual sections on methods for details.

All appointments for these reasons are free. Contraception methods available on prescription are free when issued via the National Health Service either via your registered General Practitioner/GP or via the national network of sexual and reproductive health clinics. We are here to help

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Emergency Contraception

The methods include the copper intrauterine device, the 5-day emergency pill containing ulipristal acetate, and the 3-day emergency pill containing levonorgestrel. It is very important that you seek medical advice as soon you realise that you may need emergency contraception. There is a limited time window for this to take effect so please contact us within 72 hours.

The pills can be purchased in pharmacies without the need to see a doctor at the time. The pills can also be prescribed after a consultation with a trained clinical pharmacist, nurse, or GP at the Practice.

The Practice can offer the copper intrauterine device as an emergency. This may be available after you have consulted with a health care worker to see if this is an option on this occasion for you. This offer depends on individual circumstances as there may be time restrictions when offering this service as an emergency.

Contraception

At Leeds Student Medical Practice, we offer all the currently available methods of prescribed contraception including the different types of contraceptive pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, and all the long-acting reversible contraception methods, also known as ‘LARCs’ for short. The LARC methods include the contraceptive injection, the contraceptive implant, and the intrauterine devices, previously known as “coils”.

How effective your contraception is depending on the type you use and whether you use it correctly.

Some methods are more effective than others. You need to follow the instructions and use your contraception correctly for it to be as effective as possible.

With some methods, such as the implant, there’s no need to remember to take or use them. These are known as methods with “no user failure”.

No contraceptive is 100% reliable, and some can have side effects. Have a look at the following link for more information.

How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

There are many methods of contraception available. Some methods may be more suitable or effective for you than others. It is highly recommended that you speak with a clinical pharmacist, nurse, or GP at the Practice so they can help you to find the right method for you. Your medical health history, family history and personal choice will all be considered in finding the right method.

You may also want to look at this NHS-approved website for further information on each method: Contraceptive methods | Contraception Choices.

If you have decided what you would like to use, get in touch with us via LSMP reception on 01132954488 to make an appointment with our trained clinical pharmacists, nurses, and doctors to discuss your options.

Termination of Pregnancy

If you prefer, you can refer yourself directly for termination without seeing us first. You do not need to see a health care worker at the Practice for a referral. Termination of pregnancy is available via the NHS and privately within timeframes identified in UK law.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy and wish to discuss it with us first, you can make an appointment via LSMP reception on 01132954488 to chat to any of our GPs or Practice Nurses who will be happy to support you and help you come to your decision.

You may wish to discuss contraception if you have had a termination of pregnancy. Please get in touch with us via LSMP reception on 01132954488 during our opening hours to make an appointment with our trained clinical pharmacists, nurses, and doctors.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Testing

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are common sexually transmitted infections affecting both men and women and can be transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Sometimes they are not easily noticed and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated, which is why it is essential to get tested.

If you do not have any suspicious symptoms, you can collect a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea self-test kit from our reception desk during our opening hours or ask your doctor/nurse/ clinical pharmacist for a kit when you attend for a face-to-face appointment.

If you are experiencing symptoms including pain passing urine, pain in lower abdomen or pain in testicles, pain with sexual intercourse, change to vaginal discharge, penile or rectal discharge, then please get in touch with us via LSMP reception on 01132954488 to make a face-to-face appointment with one of our trained nurses or doctors. Please do not use the self-test kit if you are having these symptoms as you would benefit from medical advice at the time of the symptoms.

You can find more information about gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and sexual health from this NHS approved website:

Public and Patient Information | British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (bashh.org)

HIV and other related testing

Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are also available at LSMP if you have discussed this with a GP at the Practice in an appointment first.

You can find more information about HIV testing and sexual health in general from this NHS-approved website:

Public and Patient Information | British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (bashh.org)

Testing in Leeds is available in several other settings to enable you to have a choice of time and location. These testing services in Leeds are FREE and confidential.

Leeds Sexual Health is a specialist service which is also available for all your sexual health needs. It is based at The Merrion Centre and other sites around Leeds.

Cervical Cytology testing

This test is not a test for cancer. It is uses as a way of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could develop into cancer of the cervix.

Irrespective of their gender, everyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64, is eligible for a free cervical cytology screening test every three to five years. These tests may be more frequent if any changes are found.

Please ask for a cervical smear appointment if you are aged over 24. This will be arranged with one of our Nurses.

Click here for more information about cervical cytology testing, also known as ‘smears’.

Unfortunately, at present, trans men with a cervix may fall out of the automatic national recall system if their gender marker has been changed on their GP health records. One of our trained nurses will contact you if this applies to you based on information in your GP-held medical records but if you feel you are due a smear test or have not had surgery to remove your cervix, please contact us on 0113 295 4488 to arrange a phone appointment to speak to a nurse or GP about this test.

Training in contraception and sexual health

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Your practice is here to support you with your Covid-19 queries, including testing, vaccinations, and general advice. This page is updated regularly to give you the most up to date information.

Covid-19 vaccinations

The UK vaccination program adapts based on the number of cases and the risk to the country.

Currently everyone is eligible to a primary course of 2 vaccinations, and a booster vaccination, a total of 3 vaccinations.

There are some groups that are at a higher risk and are therefore eligible for more vaccinations. You will be contacted if this applies to you.
The vaccinations for Leeds Student Medical Practice are being run by the Leeds Student Medical Practice and The Light Surgery Primary Care Network. You can book yourself in to our practice vaccination slots, or any other site using the National Booking System. The closest vaccination site to you may be at a different location than LSMP.

Covid-19 testing

Free covid testing is no longer available on the NHS as of 1/4/22. Tests are now available from shops and pharmacies. Some members of the community are still able to access free tests, further details can be found below.

NHS Website covid testing

What to do if I get coronavirus?

If you test positive for coronavirus, you should try where possible to stay at home and avoid contact with people to try and reduce the spread.

The current duration for this is 5 days.

Avoid meeting people at higher risk from COVID-19, especially if their immune system means they’re at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, even if they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine.

To aid in your recovery, make sure you drink lots of fluids, rest, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medication if needed. Further information can be found below.

Treatments for Coronavirus

Most COVID-19 infections are mild and do not require treatment. Some patients have been identified as high risk and may befit from treatment. Please see the link below for the latest information on high risk groups and treatments available.

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There are three ways in which you can order a prescription at the practice. We recommend you choose the NHS app as the quickest way to get your medication ordered if possible. You will need a UK mobile number to download the NHS app.

NHS App

The NHS app is the quickest and most secure way of ordering your medication. It is available on all popular app stores, as well as through a web browser.

Once you’ve signed up, you will be able to order you prescriptions, as well as access your Covid pass and your medical records.

Via letter/post

You can request repeat medications using the white tear-off slip attached to your previous prescription, either by posting it to the practice or dropping it off at the practice.

Collecting Your Prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• at your GP surgery
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Questions About Your Prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Medication Reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Prescription Charges

What to do With Old Medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

Appointments

To request an appointment

• Complete a Patchs online form by clicking here PATCHS
• or phone us on 01132954488, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
• When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.

Your Appointment

However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:

• by phone
• face to face at the surgery

Cancelling or Changing an Appointment

To cancel your appointment:

• use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
• phone us on 01132954488, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
• reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text message

If you need help when we are closed

If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you Need help With your Appointment

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Minor Illnesses

If you are suffering from a cough, cold, sore throat, stomach issue, or aches and pains, it is often quickest to go to your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are highly skilled in managing these problems and can offer advice on a wide range of medical conditions without the need to book for an appointment

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Mental Health

If you are struggling with your mental health, there are a number of Leeds-based organisations that may be able to offer you the help you need before you need to book a GP appointment. Advice on supporting a friend or family member with their mental health conditions can also be found.

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If you still need an appointment please call the practice or use the apps below.