We recognise that many young people – especially teenagers - have their own sets of problems and may want to either talk to someone in complete confidence about these or as a minimum want access to information about certain issues.
We write to all patients once they are 14, advising them about the services we offer and how they access our GPs and our Nurse led Minor Illness clinics.
This letter was introduced some years ago in response to what was called ‘Gillick competency’ in conjunction with Fraser guidelines. This was a legal case which specifically looked at whether Doctors should be able to give contraceptive advice or treatment to under 16 year olds without parental consent. One of the key areas is “parental right yields to the child right to make his own decisions when they reach a sufficient understanding and intelligence to be capable of making up their own minds on the matter requiring decision." Please see the link to the NSPCC website for more information.
Know your rights at the Doctors
We detail below some useful website addresses which you may find of interest:
- Whilst the Drs and Nurses offer a full range of advice about sex and contraception (including Chlamydia screening) if you feel you would rather seek advice elsewhere with regard to these matters you may contact:-
- CASH contraception and sexual health services on 0179 423129
- Sexwise Youth Clinic 820100
- GUM 01709 307777
- Thrybergh Drop in 851131(Mon 3-4.30 pm term time only Thrybergh Comp school)
- Maltby Drop in 819581(Thurs 315-5 pm Maltby Linx youth and community centre)