Patients living in Carmarthenshire can now take advantage of a new pilot service aimed at making it easier to check if they have any sexual health worries without having to see a doctor or nurse.

The three-month “Test and Go” pilot, which launched in June, is a minimal contact service for people who do not have any symptoms or concerns, but who would like to take a sexual health test for peace of mind.

Patients who request the service will be invited to a specialist clinic and given a pack with instructions to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Blood tests for HIV and syphilis can also be carried out at this time if requested.

Patients will be shown to a bathroom where they are asked to provide a swab or sample, which they simply leave in a specimen container before they leave.

Results are usually sent to patients via text message within 7-10 days, and the text message will either explain that all results are negative - meaning that no infection has been found - or, the text message will advise patients to contact the clinic to make a further appointment.

Lisa Humphrey, Service Delivery Manager for Sexual Health and Gynaecology at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Very often we find that patients might not have any specific symptoms to indicate a sexual health problem, but they still want to be screened anyway for their own peace of mind.

“The Test and Go pilot is about providing a quick and easy way for them to test themselves, without needing to see a doctor or nurse. This has the advantage of freeing up clinical and consultation times.”

Hywel Dda’s Sexual Health Service offers open access and appointed clinics in a variety of locations offering contraception, sexual health screening, pregnancy testing, cervical screening and information and advice about sexual health.

For more information on “Test and Go” or to book an appointment, phone the Sexual Health Service on 01267 248674.

For more information on Sexual Health Services visit hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/SexualHealth