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GUM Clinics

GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) Clinics are sexual health clinics where you can get tested for common STIs. You should get regular check­ups if you are sexually active; the recommendation is to have a check up every month but realistically you should never leave it more than 6 months. You should also go to a GUM Clinic if you think you have been exposed to or you suspect you have an STI. Attending one is completely free and confidential, you don’t need a referral from your GP and you can call up for an appointment or turn up at any walk­in session, but you might need to queue! You are guaranteed complete confidentiality at a GUM clinic: records can’t be shown to your GP without your permission, or to insurance companies. You don’t even have to give your real name and you are offered the option of being called from the waiting area by a number, a different name, or your own first or last name. You will see a doctor who will do some tests and ask some optional questions about your sexual activity. Tests for both sexes can include swabs taken from the urethra, throat (and the anus if you have had anal sex), plus a urine test. Blood tests are also taken, including the opportunity for an HIV test. These tests have got a lot less invasive in recent years (especially for boys) so if you’ve heard any GUM Clinic related horror stories, they are probably woefully inaccurate! You will be advised when and how to get your results, what treatment you need if any and you will be offered the chance to speak to an advisor about safe sexual practises. This all can take a couple of hours or so, so leave plenty of time for your visit. You may get some results straight away and others up to a fortnight later by a method of your choice – email, post, text or phone call. Men are advised to hold their urine for about 3­4 hours beforehand to allow a urine sample to be given. GUM clinics also offer Hep B vaccinations, which are highly recommended for men who have sex with men, since Hep B is highly contagious, can be fatal and gay and bi men are at a higher risk of contracting it.

Most large hospitals have a GUM Clinic and this includes the main hospitals in Durham, Stockton and Newcastle. Directions can be found easily on the web, but some basic directions are given below for the GUM Clinic in Durham.

If you are going to a walk­in session, it is best to turn up on time and at the start of the session as the queues can be very long.

Durham

University Hospital of North Durham North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW

Walk to the top of North Road, go straight­on at the roundabout and keep walking straight, (you should pass the NHS Mental Health Hospital on your left). The University Hospital of North Durham should be sign­posted clearly from the next junction.

Phone: 0191 333 2660 (Call for an appointment)

Opening Times:

Appointments

  • Monday: 9am – 12pm
  • Tuesday: 10am – 1pm
  • Wednesday: 2pm – 5pm
  • Thursday: 10.30am – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm
  • Friday: 9am – 12pm

Walk­-in Sessions

  • Monday: 2pm – 4.30pm
  • Wednesday: 9am – 11.30am

Stockton

Lawson Street Medical Centre
Lawson Street, Stockton­on­Tees, TS18 1HU

Opening Times:

  • Monday: 9am – 10.30am and 12pm – 5pm
  • Tuesday:11.30am – 1pm and 2.45pm – 7pm
  • Wednesday: 9am – 1pm and 2.45pm – 5pm
  • Thursday: 9am – 1pm and 2.45pm – 5pm
  • Friday: 9am – 10.30am and 12pm – 5pm

Newcastle

New Croft Centre, New Croft House Market Street East, NE1 6ND

Opening Times:

  • Monday and Thursday 2.00 – 4.30pm
  • Tuesday 2pm – 6.30pm
  • Wednesday 8am – 9am and 2pm – 4.30pm
  • Monday – Friday 9.00am – 12.15pm

 1 Hour HIV Testing

If you are a man who has sex with men, you are also entitled to free 1 hour HIV testing with MESMAC in Newcastle. The test is a simple finger prick test with pre and post test discussion and results within the hour.

Drop in Tuesday 5­7pm or appointments Monday to Thursday 1­5pm.

To make an appointment please contact MESMAC on 0191 233 1333. 11 Nelson St, Newcastle, NE1 5AN.