Sexual health and HIV
Strike action update
During strike action by junior doctors and hospital consultants we will operate an emergency-only service on 19 to 22 September, and 02 to 04 October 2023.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
New electronic patient record system
Following the launch of Epic, our new electronic patient record system, on 5 October, our sexual health clinics will be operating a reduced service as staff get used to using a new system. Your appointment may also take a bit longer for the same reason.
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. In addition to sexual health services at Beckenham Beacon, patients can consider using online services for testing, or visiting alternative clinics.
Our services at Beckenham Beacon
We are now the lead provider of sexual health and contraception services for Bromley.
On 3 April 2023, sexual health and reproductive services at Beckenham Beacon came together as a ‘one stop shop’. For more details, see the Sexual Health Bromley website.
We provide sexual health and HIV services at the Beckenham Beacon Sexual Health Centre.
Mpox update
In spring 2023 new cases of mpox (previously known as monkeypox) were reported across London. The NHS website has further information about mpox symptoms.
If you are concerned you may have symptoms of mpox, do not walk in to the clinic. Please phone and ask to speak to senior clinician for advice.
Walk-in service
We offer a walk-in service on a first come, first served basis.
The clinic can be very busy, and we are not always able to see everyone on the day they attend. We recommend that, if possible, you access services online through Sexual Health London before you come to the clinic. Online services include testing for STIs, supply of the contraceptive pill and patch and emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’).
When you attend the clinic, you will be assessed (‘triaged’) according to your reason for attending. If you need a priority service, we’ll offer a same-day emergency slot. For everything else, you will be offered an appointment on the same day if we have availability, or you will be offered an appointment to come back on another day.
Priority is given to:
- young people (under 18 years old)
- those who need post-exposure prophylaxis
- those who need emergency contraception
- those with severe or urgent symptoms.
Our walk-in service provides:
- assessment of sexual health symptoms
- treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- contraception, including emergency contraception, coil and implant insertions or removals, and Depo injections
- post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- signposting to support if you have problems with chemsex (using drugs as part of your sex life)
- referral for psychosexual therapy
Opening hours
- Monday: 9am to 4.15pm
- Tuesday: 11am to 6.15pm
- Wednesday: 12pm to 6.15pm
- Thursday: 8am to 3.15pm
- Friday: 8am to 3.15pm
We are closed on weekends and bank (public) holidays.
Sexual health screening if you have no symptoms
If you do not have symptoms, you should request a home testing kit from our partner services as below. The home testing kits are easy to use and your results are sent back to you quickly.
If you live in:
- Bromley: visit the Sexual Health London website for a home testing kit. The kit will be delivered discreetly to your home or can be collected from your local participating sexual health clinic. You should get your results within four working days. This service is available to residents of most London boroughs.
- Croydon: visit the Croydon Sexual Health website to order a home testing kit.
- Bexley or Greenwich: visit the Check Urself website to order a home testing kit.
Emergency contraception (morning after pill)
The emergency contraception pill is available from local pharmacies and is free if you’re under 25 years old.
You can also come in to us without an appointment, during our usual opening hours if you wish to discuss your options for emergency contraception.
Coil fitting or removal (IUD or IUS)
If you contact us to request a coil fitting or removal, we will book you a telephone appointment to discuss your needs.
During the phone consultation, we will:
- ask for the details needed to schedule your fitting or removal
- schedule an appointment for your coil fitting or removal.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV and the sooner it is started, the more effective it will be.
If you think you need PEP, you can walk in without an appointment, during our usual clinic hours. At all other times, go to your local emergency department.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
If you have been using PrEP or are interested in starting PrEP, you can either attend the walk-in clinic or telephone our service on 01689 866 622 for an appointment. Please complete an SHL home testing kit prior to your appointment.
You can also use the It Starts with Me online tool, to check if PrEP is right for you.
Support if you have recently been sexually assaulted
Please contact The Havens, specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
You can also come into us without an appointment, during our usual opening hours, if you are unable to contact The Havens or prefer not to go there.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis B (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV)
If you need a vaccination for Hepatitis B (HBV) or human papilloma virus (HPV), please call 01689 866622 or email and we will book an appointment for you.
Abortion (termination of pregnancy)
Please note, the Central Booking Service for abortions is no longer available. You can now choose to have your abortion, and get abortion advice, with either the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), Marie Stopes International (MSI) or the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS).
Abortions are simpler and safer the earlier they are carried out. For more information go to the NHS website.
HIV clinic
You will be seen in person for your HIV appointments.
If you prefer to have a telephone consultation, please call 01689 866622 or email and we will see if this is possible. If you require blood tests, it is likely we will still need to see you in person.
New patient appointments
If you have had a test showing you have HIV, you can refer yourself to us. Please call 01689 866622 or email. If you email, please include your name, contact details, date of birth, and the date that you took the test. Your GP or other healthcare provider can also refer you.
Medication
If you need a repeat prescription of your antiretroviral medication, please give at least four weeks’ notice.
To arrange a repeat prescription, please call 01689 866622 or email. If you email us, please include your name, contact details, date of birth and how much medication you have left.
Clinic contact details
Urgent queries
If you have an urgent sexual health or HIV-related query please call us Monday to Friday during our usual opening hours (see above) on 01689 866622.
If you need urgent or emergency support outside of our opening hours, contact your GP, NHS 111, or go to your local urgent care centre or emergency department.
Non-urgent sexual health queries
You can email us with any non-urgent queries and we aim to respond to you within 24 hours, during our usual clinic hours.
Non-urgent HIV-related queries
Contact the Bromley HIV CNS team on 01689 866647. Please leave a message if your call is not answered. This answerphone is checked Monday to Friday.
You can also email us with any non-urgent queries and we aim to respond to you within 24 hours, within our usual clinic hours.
For GPs and referrers
Patients can self-refer to us.
GPs and other health professionals can refer by email. Please send one referral per email and include patient and GP practice details.