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Family Planning Services (NHS Western Isles)
Family planning services offer free contraception and family planning advice to those living and working within the Western Isles. Family planning and sexual health appointments can be booked at any GP Practice, even if it is not at your own regular GP Practice. Simply request a sexual health appointment when booking an appointment.
LEWIS & HARRIS
A Family Planning Clinic is available on an appointment basis and held every Monday (2pm-5pm), Wednesday (9am-1pm) and Thursday (9am-1pm) at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway. To book your appointment tel. 708305.
Free contraceptives are available from GP Surgeries (even if it is not your own GP), Hospitals, Health Information & Resources Service (HIRS), and Health Promotion Departments.
UISTS & BARRA
In the Uists and Barra, family planning services are provided by GP Practices.
NOTE: Family planning and sexual health appointments can be booked at any GP Practice, even if it is not at your own regular GP Practice.
Services Offered
Contraception
Fertility
Gynaecology
Sexual Health
CONDOMS AND LUBRICANT: Free condoms and lubricant gel are provided by NHS Western Isles and are available from a number of locations.
These include:
GP Surgeries throughout the Western Isles
Pointers Youth Cafe (Stornoway)
Health Promotion (Stornoway and Benbecula)
No appointment is necessary and items can be collected as and when required. Condoms and lubricant gel can also be posted out discreetly from the Health Promotion service on request. Simply telephone (01851) 762017.
PREGNANCY TESTING KITS: These are available free of charge for confidential post or by collection from the Health Promotion service by telephoning (01851) 762017, or Health Promotion (Uists) (01870) 603156.
NEED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
Emergency contraception can be obtained free of charge from local Emergency Departments, all pharmacists, or dispensing GP Practices. Emergency oral contraception can be taken up to 72 hours of having unprotected sex, but it is more effective the sooner it is taken. However, between 72hrs and 120hrs (5 days) a copper coil can be inserted for emergency contraception.
PREGNANCY CONCERNS AND TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY REQUESTS
If you are unsure about continuing your pregnancy, information and support is offered from the local Maternity services on 01851 708300 or using the anonymous test service (0776 993 2189) and also from the Western Isles Pregnancy Crisis Support Service, tel. 07901 966 101.
If you are sure about terminating your pregnancy, this service can be accessed through a health professional by phoning 01851 708300 or your GP, using the anonymous text service (0776 993 2189), or directly through the Social Gynaecology Service at Inverness, tel. 01463 704431 (available on Tuesday and Wednesdays).
Usually medical terminations can be provided at home, if less than 10 weeks or in Western Isles hospital. Once a termination is requested a review will carried out to determine gestation and circumstances. A pick up point for medications will be arranged and patients will be fully supported through the process by a trained member of staff.