Self Help

Self Help

Welcome to our self-help centre.  Here you will find both local health information and NHS content and a selection of tools for health checks.  Many services are now available on the NHS without a referral from your GP. Patients are able to contact these services directly 

 

The C Card Contraception

We are very proud to have signed up as a C Card venue! 

What is the C-Card?

The C-Card is a card which offers free and easy access to condoms and lube in a range of venues, including some clinics, schools, colleges and pharmacies. In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, the C-Card is available to those aged 13+. If you have a C Card and need some contraception, please call into reception and show your C Card, we can then provide you with a pack of condoms. If you would prefer to do this more privately, please feel free to call ahead and ask to be spoken to in a private side room. We are here to ensure people can access condoms so if there is anything we can do to make this easier, please let us know! 

When used correctly during sex, condoms are the only type of protection that help prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

It doesn't matter whether you’re having sex, thinking about having sex or if you’re just curious, the C-Card service is confidential and our trained workers can offer friendly advice on sexual health and relationships.

How does the C-Card work?

The C-Card allows you to get free condoms from a range of venues in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. These venues could be clinics, pharmacies, schools or colleges.

The card will not have any personal details on it, like your name, it will only have a unique number on it.

Simply take your C-Card to the medical unit, and get your condoms without questions or judgement.

How do I register for a C-Card?

Registration is quick and easy and takes about 10 minutes. You will only be asked for a few simple details like your name, postcode and date of birth.

All the information you provide is confidential and will not be passed on to anyone else, (unless we were concerned about your safety, but we would always try and talk to you about this first).

Find out how to register below.

Registering online (18+ only)

If you are 18 and over, you can register for a C-Card online using our registration form. Your C-Card will then be delivered to you within 10 working days.

If you are under 18 and would like to sign up for a C Card, please call our reception team who can organise a brief chat with our of our clinicians who need to go through a few things with you before signing you up. All information will remain confidential. We then provide provide you with a pack of condoms.

For more information on the scheme, please follow the link here. https://leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk/c-card

C Card
mental health

Worried about your mental wellbeing?

We all experience times when we feel like we can’t cope, sometimes this can start to affect our everyday lives and prevent us from doing the things we normally do.

If you are experiencing excessive worry, low mood, depression, anxiety or a lack of motivation then Vita can help.

Vita works in partnership with the NHS to provide talking therapy services and counselling in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland known as Talking Therapies and we can provide advice and guidance on the best options for you.

Vita works with the NHS is a FREE service and you don’t need to visit a GP to get help –  the options for referring to the service are below.

If you need urgent NHS mental health support, call our Mental Health Central Access Point on 0808 800 3302 which is 24/7  free helpline for people of all ages in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Alternatively, please call the surgery or 999 

sexual health

Getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is straightforward and confidential. Most infections can be cured.

A sexual health clinic (SHC) or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic specialises in sexual health, and can provide tests and treatment for many STIs. Unfortunately, we do not offer the same testing in the surgery.

You can make an appointment to go to a sexual health clinic but sexual health clinics also offer a drop-in clinic, so you may not need an appointment. But it is a good idea to call the sexual health clinic first to check this is the case.

You might feel embarrassed, but there's no need – the staff at these clinics are used to testing for all kinds of infections. It's their job and they won't judge you. They should do their best to explain everything to you and make you feel at ease.

Anyone can go to a sexual health clinic regardless of their gender, age or whether they have symptoms. If you're under 16, the service is still confidential and the clinic won't tell your parents.

If they suspect you or another young person is at risk of harm, they might need to tell other healthcare services, but they will talk to you before they do this

Please follow the link to find a service near you. 

Smoking

Quit Ready welcomes anyone who wants to stop smoking.

As part of Leicestershire County Council, this service offers a tailored stop smoking programme that is led by you.

Our team of friendly advisors deliver a free and confidential 12-week programme to help you become and stay smoke free. They will be by your side to offer support and advice on your quit journey.

You are three times more likely to stop smoking if you have support from an advisor, alongside stop smoking medications.

We will also provide you with 12 weeks’ worth of nicotine replacement therapy and all the information you need to make the right choice for you.

Quit Ready is e-cig friendly, and welcomes smokers who want to switch to vaping.

As well as speaking to you on a weekly basis, our advisors can make additional contact if you wish. This could be over the telephone, text messaging, webchat, or email – whatever suits you best.

Don’t quit on quitting!

We operate Monday to Friday from 9am until 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm.

You can self refer to this service without the need to see a Doctor or Nurse. Please note, we are unable to prescribe Nicotine Replacement products from the GP surgery 

Alcohol

Turning Point are a nationwide support service who offer specialist Drug and Alcohol support. We have a Substance Misuse counsellor from Turning Point based at the Medical Unit once a Month.  

Whether you come to them with drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern or a learning disability, they can give you the individual support you need.

They offer you or a loved one a range of services depending on what you need, from detox and residential rehab to supported living and aftercare support.

You can self-refer to Turning Point by calling 0330 303 6000 or completing a self-referral form by clicking here.

DENTIST

Unfortunately, GP's are not allowed to treat dental problems with antibiotics. We are only able to give pain relief advice.

If you have a dental problem, please see your Dentist or an Emergency Dentist. 

To find out how to access an emergency dentist, please click here. 

first contact plus

First Contact Plus is an online tool which helps adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place.

The initiative allows residents who require help with one or a number of issues to access a catalogue of information, advice, help and support.

Information and resources on housing, health, living independently, money advice, work, security and other topics that assist the county’s residents can be found on this site.

First Contact Plus is delivered by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with GPs, the police, health organisations, voluntary groups and social care departments, district & borough councils who are helping adults across the county by working together to make access to services much easier.

To find out more, please click here 

group

Please click here to find out more about what social prescribing is and what groups may be of interest to you 

ambulance

Hospital Patient Transport Service

TASL is the patient secondary care transport provider, commissioned by NHS Leicestershire ICB (intergrated care board). We provide non emergency transport to patients who have a medical condition that would prevent travel by other means.

We are here to ensure you get to and from your hospital appointments, with dignity and safety being our highest priority. With the support of professional and personable staff, you can expect your journey to be free of anxiety in our care. 

If you tell us your specific medical needs over the phone we can find out if you're eligible for this service using this number 0345 241 3012.

Non emergency transport for patients who:

  • Have a medical condition that would prevent then from travelling to hospital by other means
  • Have treatment with side effects that requires the support of specialist ambulance staff 
  • Have a medical condition that might put them at risk of harm if travelling independently 
  • Have health needs that require medical assistance during transport (for example, oxygen access) 

Please note, staff at the Medical Unit are unable to book transportation on behalf of patients. The only way to book hospital transportation is by calling the number above. 

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