Phase two of the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme opened 2 June 2025 and is available to ordinary residents of Northern Ireland.

Patients that have been diagnosed as having a clinical need for treatment and have been on a waiting list for treatment or surgery under the Health and Social Care Northern Ireland for more than 1 year can make an application to have the costs of their treatment reimbursed.

There are specific eligibility criteria to be aware off and prior approval needs to be obtained from the Department of Health before proceeding with your treatment. Please follow the link below for the application form and specific information in relation to the scheme

Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme - DOH/HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG)

Self referral to maternity services can be made as soon as you have a positive pregancy test. Please click on the following link, complete the attached form and email it back to maternity services who will then arrange your booking appointment.  Western Trust Maternity Self-Referral Form

All women are advised to commence Folic acid supplements 3 months prior to conception and to continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy. The usual dose of Folic acid is 400micrograms per day and this can be purchased over the counter.

Women at higher risk of having a baby with Neural Tube defects require 5mg of Folic acid daily and will need to contact the practice to get a prescription issued for this.

Risk factors include:

• Family history of Spina Bifida
• Diabetics
• Anti-epileptic medication
• BMI >30
• Coeliac disease
• Thalassaemia

Vitamin D 10mcg is also recommended daily throughout pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.

Combination multi-vitamins containing both Folic acid and Vitamin D can be a convenient way of meeting your needs during this period and are readily available over the counter. 

For more information regarding care during pregnancy visit www.nhs.uk/pregnancy

What You Should Know

Sexual health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. Whether you’re concerned about contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or advice on safer sex, there are free, confidential services in Northern Ireland to support you.

What Sexual Health (GUM / Reproductive Health) Clinics Offer

Sexual health clinics—sometimes called GUM (genito‑urinary medicine) clinics or sexual & reproductive health clinics—provide a wide range of services, often without needing a GP referral. Typical services include:

·       Testing for STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, etc.)

·       Treatment and follow-up if infections are found

·       Free condoms and sexual health safer‑sex advice

·       Contraceptive services (e.g. pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices, emergency contraception)

·       Pregnancy testing

·       Smear tests / cervical screening (where offered)

·       Vaccinations (e.g. hepatitis B, HPV, possibly others)

·       Management or referral for sexual dysfunction

·       HIV prevention and care: Pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

·       Counselling, education and behavioural support

·       Partner notification (helping inform partners if an STI is diagnosed)

Clinics operate on principles of confidentiality and non‑judgmental care. You do not always need a GP referral, and many clinics accept self-referral.

Local Clinics in the Western Health & Social Care Trust (WHSCT) Area & Nearby

If you live in the Western Trust area, you have local options. Below are a few of them (please check with each clinic for current hours, appointment requirements and contact details):

Brae Clinic, Waterside Health Centre – Derry / Londonderry: Contraceptive services, screening, advice (appointment only).

Omagh, Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex – Omagh: Contraception, sexual health screening, pregnancy testing, etc.

Enniskillen, South West Acute Hospital – Enniskillen: Part of the WHSCT’s reproductive health clinic network.

South West College – Erne Campus Clinic – Enniskillen / local college site: Offers drop-in or booked sexual health services.

GUM / HIV Clinic – Anderson House, Western Trust – Derry / local area: Confidential STI testing, HIV testing, PrEP / PEP, vaccinations, and more.

Online & Home Testing Options (Free)

For people without symptoms (i.e. who simply want screening), online home testing is a convenient option:

SH:24 – This is a free postal STI testing service available across Northern Ireland. You order a discreet test kit online, collect samples at home, post them back, and receive results via text or phone.

If your result is positive (e.g. for chlamydia), SH:24 may provide postal treatment or direct you to a clinic for follow-up care.

When to Choose Clinic vs Home Testing

·       No symptoms? Home testing is suitable and convenient.

·       If you have symptoms such as discharge, pain, lumps, unexpected bleeding, or urinary symptoms, it’s better to be seen in person at a clinic (GUM / sexual health).

·       Exposure to HIV or risk of recent exposure (within 72 hours): you may need urgent care, PEP – contact a clinic or hospital immediately.

·       Complex contraception requests (e.g. IUD insertions, implants) or multiple health issues may require in-person care.

Why It Matters & How to Access

Sexual health issues often carry stigma, but early testing, diagnosis, and treatment protect your health and that of your partner(s). Untreated infections can lead to complications (fertility, pelvic pain, etc.).

To access services:
- You can self-refer to most sexual health or reproductive clinics — you don’t need to wait for a GP referral.
- Contact the clinic to make an appointment (or walk-in if they allow).
- Use SH:24 for free home testing if asymptomatic.
- If you're unsure where to go, search “GUM clinic Northern Ireland” (e.g. via SXT clinic finder service) to find the nearest one.

If you are experiencing joint, muscle or skeletal problems such as back pain, neck pain, sprains or strains, you may be able to refer yourself directly to musculoskeletal physiotherapy services- without first seeing a GP. This option is designed to get you help more quickly and promote self-management of your condition. 

Who can self refer

You can generally self refer if:

• You are aged 16 years or older
• You live in the WHSCT area
• Your symptoms include joint or muscle pain, recent injury or neckback discomfort

Please Click the link below for more information:

Self-Referral to Outpatient MSK Physiotherapy services

Childrens speech and language therpay helps babies, children and young people who have difficulties with communication or with eating, drinking and swallowing. Withing the WHSCT therapists assess each child's needs and work with families, schools and other professionals to support their development. 

The service supports children with 

• Delayed speech or language development
• Difficulty producing sounds clearly
• Stammering or voice problems
• Challenges with understanding or using language
• Communication difficulties linked to autism, hearing loss or learning disabilities
• Eating, drinking or swallowing difficulties

If you are concerned about your child's speech or communication you can in addition to speaking to you GP, health visitor or nursery/school staff you can directly self refer to the WHSCT Children's speech and language therapy service on 02871864399 

Further Resources

Speech, language and communication

• www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk
• www.talkingpoint.org.uk

Stammering

• Michael Palin Centre www.stammeringcentre.org
• British Stammering Association www.stammering.org

Hearing Impairment – www.ndcs.org.uk

Cleft Palate www.clapa.com/treatment/early-years-1-4/speech/

Makaton

Alternative and Augmentative Communication – www.communicationmatters.org.uk

SLT Professional Body

Health and Care Professions Council

Rise NI

Sure Start Partnerships