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GUM CLINIC
Positive Lives received the following letter from the North Staffs GUM Clinic and asked us to include it in this month’s issue

In “Maurice’s Angle” (Positive Lives, March - April 1999) Maurice observes that “more and more people are having unsafe sex in the belief that even if there isn’t a cure (for HIV) the disease can be easily treated”. Those of us working in the genito urinary clinic can certainly endorse the fact that people do seem to be having unsafe sex. We know this from our work with people who have caught other sexually transmitted infections as well as those who have HIV. Sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and genital warts are all on the increase both nationally and locally.
If you are HIV positive you have all the more reason for taking care of your general health including your sexual health. Experts believe that if you catch an infection such as Gonorrhoea this can cause HIV to reproduce more quickly in your body. If you catch genital warts, they can be more severe and also more difficult to clear up if you are HIV positive.
What to do?
Anyone can be checked for sexually transmitted infections at a genito-urinary clinic whether they are positive or not. Lots of people attend for check-ups regularly whether they have symptoms or not. Surely this makes sense if we are to take a holistic view of our health needs. A check-up takes approximately an hour, some results are available on the same day. Treatment, if required, is given in the clinic and is free of charge (no prescriptions to take to the pharmacy). If you are worried about confidentiality - don’t be. No one will know you have been to the clinic unless you tell them. If we need to communicate with other health professionals, we will only do so after discussion with you.

The genito-urinary clinic in NorthStaffs is open at the following times:

Monday	Closed AM.	1.45pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday	9.l5am - 12.30pm	2.00pm - 4.15pm
Wednesday	9.l5am - 12.30pm	2.00pm - 5.30pm
Thursday	9.l5am - 12.30pm	Closed PM.
Friday	9.l5am - 12.30pm	2.00pm - 5.30pm

Although we may sometimes be able to see you without an appointment it is better to make one.If you want to speak in confidence to someone prior to your visit you can phone Sue Cannon or Irene Johnson (Health Advisors) on the direct line (01782) 846655

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