• CERVICAL SCREENING
• MENOPAUSE, PERIMENOPAUSE AND HRT
• MATERNITY SERVICES
• PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
• POSTNATAL CHECK UPS
• CONTRACEPTION AND FAMILY PLANNING
• SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC

Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test performed by our practice nurse to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.

Currently, women aged 25-49 are invited for screening every 3 years and those aged 50-64 are invited every 5 years.

If you're worried that you may have symptoms of cervical cancer do not wait for your next cervical screening appointment. (These symptoms may include bleeding between periods, during or after sex, bleeding after the menopause or unusual vaginal discharge).

You should recieve a letter from the Public Health Agency when you are due for a smear test.

If you are due a smear test but do not recieve a letter you can still make an appointment with our Practice Nurse.

It is best if you telephone reception after 10.30am when our telephone lines are less busy for an appointment at our smear clinic.

Please ensure your contact details are up-to date so we can relay your results promptly to you.

Menopause Information

HRT Information

The Balance App

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

Looking after your mental health during pregnancy and after having a baby is just as important as looking after your physical health. Many women experience emotional changes during this time, but some may develop more significant symptoms such as anxiety, derpression or distressing thoughts. These can occur during pregnancy or in the months after birth- this period is known as the perinatal period. 

If you are struggling with your mood, sleep or anxiety during or after pregnancy, please reach out for help. Your GP, midwife or health visitor can offer support, advice and treatment options. We can also link you with other local services such as counselling, talking therapies and peer support.

Within the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) there is a specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team who provide assessment and support for women with more complex or severe mental health needs. Referrals to this team can be made through your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care. 

Remember- you are not alone and help is available. Early support can make a big difference to you and your family's wellbeing.

You can click the link below for more information on the Perinatal mental health service: 

Perinatal Mental Health Service

After you've had your baby, it's important to have a postnatal check-up to review your recovery and overall wellbeing. This is usually done around 6 weeks after birth. 

During your appointment, your GP will discuss how you're feeling physically and emotionally, check on any ongoing symptoms and review contraception options. 

To arrange your post-natal check, please log a routine triage call with the practice from 08.30am daily on 02880761242.

Making choices about contraception is a personal and important decision and your GP is here to help. All of our GP's are happy to discuss your individual needs, preferences and any concerns you might have. 

What we can offer in-practice

Within our practice, we can prescribe and manage:

• Combine and progesterone only pills
• Contraceptive patche
• Vaginal ring
• Depo-provera (injectable contraception)

If one method isn't suitable or is not effective for you we can explore other options together. 

Long-acting methods (implants and coils)

We don't directly provide contraceptive implants or coils (copper IUD or Mirena IUS) in the surgery. However, if one of these methods might suit you better, we can:

• Refer you to your local GP Federation service
• Or you can self refer to your local Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning clinics through the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)

You can contact the WHSCT Sexual and Reproductive Health Service (also known as CASH/Family Planning clinics) at the following:

• Brae Clinic, Waterside Health Centre

127-124 Spencer Road, BT476AH

Tele: 02871321758

• Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex

7 Donaghanie Road, Omagh, BT79ONR

Tele: 02882835536

• South West Acute Hospital

124 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillern, BT746DN

Tele: 02866382693

In these clinics, you can access a full range of contraceptive methods, including long-acting options like implants and coils.

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.