Young Persons

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At Greenway Community Practice we encourage young people to approach us to seek medical advice. We can provide confidential advice on relationships, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), drugs and alcohol.

Our sympathetic Doctors, Nurses and Care Navigators will try to help you with your health, both physical and emotional. At around 14-15 years of age, young people will be sent an invitation to make an appointment for a Teen Health Check for a tetanus booster and a chat with the nurse about teen health issues

Confidentialilty

The Practice is registered under the Data Protection Act 2018 and adheres strictly to its seven principles. Staff are aware of their responsibilities regarding confidentiality and may ask you for confirmation of identity, especially over the phone, before releasing information.

The principles of confidentiality apply equally to all patients regardless of age. Young people (including those under 16) are entitled to equal confidentiality, as all other patients. This includes respecting their wishes to withhold information from parents or guardians. The clinician involved will determine the competency of a young person seeking treatment and will determine the extent to which confidentiality guidelines apply in each case.

Care must be taken to ensure that this right of confidentiality is not inadvertently breached by following the procedural guidelines in force.

It is generally recognised that parents will accompany children up to 13 years of age. Many will continue to do so past this age but the clinician can check if they are happy to have the parent there if it is regarding something personal.

A child under 16 can come and see a clinician alone. However a clinician must believe that they are capable of understanding the choices of treatment and their consequences. This includes contraceptive advice, but the principles apply to other treatments, including abortion.

Urgent Problems

A duty doctor is always available for problems which cannot wait. When the surgery is closed ring 111 to access the Out of Hours Service.

Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic

GPs and nurses are trained in contraception and sexual health, including coil and implant fits. Patients requiring emergency contraception should always contact their surgery (ring NHS 111 for Out of Hours) for advice.

Using condoms every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex is the best way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection.

STI Information and Testing Kits

STI Free Condom and Chat Health Service Scheme