About us

Based at two hospitals, The Royal London Hospital in vibrant east London and St Bartholomew’s (known as Barts) Hospital in the City of London, we offer a free and confidential sexual health service to patients. 

For many people we are often the first port of call to address their concerns about sexual health.  We understand that sexual health concerns can be extremely worrying, so it is reassuring to know that both of our hospitals offer a walk-in service five days a week. In fact, as many as 95% of our patients choose to refer themselves to us, often as a personal choice or as a recommendation through friends and loved ones.

Fast access 

Our Monday to Friday walk-in service means that you can come to one of our sexual health clinics without an appointment. For sexual health services, our performance against national 48 hour waiting times is one of the best in the UK (according to the Health Protection Agency's national audit.).

Simple testing procedures

Many investigations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) involve straightforward blood, urine and swab tests. The thought of these tests may create some anxiety for some individuals; so it is good to know that most of these tests are quick and relatively painless. 

Some test results will be given at the end of the consultation and any outstanding results are usually available one week after the clinic visit.  Many individuals choose to receive their test results via a text message sent to their mobile telephone, while others may prefer to return to the clinic to access their results.

Confidential service

It is very common for people to feel that some of the ‘sensitive information’ taken during a clinic consultation may be accessed by others such as;  partners, other hospital departments, GPs and agencies such as life assurance agencies and mortgage providers. 

No personal information can be accessed by any individual or organisation outside the sexual health department.  Only our staff working within the sexual health service and the individual concerned are allowed to access information to our files. We will only correspond with GPs or other hospital departments regarding matters relevant to ongoing care with the consent of the individual concerned.