Our Services: Sexual Health Services

Family Planning Services

Family planning services offer free contraception and family planning advice.

Family planning and sexual health appointments can be booked at any GP Practice, even if it is not at your own regular GP Practice. Simply request a sexual health appointment when booking an appointment. Free non-hormonal contraceptives such as condoms are also available and can be posted out discreetly or collected as and when required – for further information, view our Contraception section on this page.

.

Lewis & Harris

A Family Planning Clinic is available on an appointment basis and held weekly at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway on the following days/times:

• Monday from 9am-1pm
• Wednesday from 9am-1pm
• Friday from 9am-12.30pm

To book your appointment tel. 01851 708305.

Free contraceptives are available from GP Surgeries (even if it is not your own GP), Hospitals, and Public Health Departments.

.

Uists & Barra

In the Uists and Barra, family planning services are provided by GP Practices.

Planning for a baby?

Thinking about starting a family? The NHS Inform Planning for Pregnancy guide offers helpful information and advice to support you before pregnancy.

You'll find guidance on fertility, folic acid, healthy lifestyle choices, existing health or mental health conditions, and understanding your menstrual cycle to help you prepare for pregnancy.

There are many different types of contraception available and taking some time to learn about your options can help you choose the method that best suits your lifestyle, health needs, and future plans.

Condoms (both external and internal) are the only method of contraception that help protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), is one of the most effective forms of contraception. Depending on the method chosen, it can provide protection from pregnancy for between 3 and 10 years, while remaining fully reversible if you decide you would like to become pregnant or wish to stop using it.

While long-acting contraception is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against STIs. Using condoms alongside another method of contraception can help protect both your sexual health and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

For further information on the various types of contraception available visit the NHS Inform Contraception section.

Free Condoms and Lubricant

NHS Western Isles provides free condoms and lubricant gel, which can be collected from a number of locations across the Western Isles, including:

• GP Surgeries throughout the Western Isles
• Pointers Youth Cafe (Stornoway)
• Public Health offices in Stornoway and Benbecula.

No appointment is required, and supplies can be collected whenever needed.

If you would prefer, condoms and lubricant gel can also be posted to you discreetly by the Public Health Department. To make a request, please email wi.hirs@nhs.scot

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual contraception has failed, for example if a condom splits, you miss pills, or a contraceptive method is not used correctly.

If you require emergency contraception from a GP Practice, please inform the receptionist you require an Emergency Appointment when booking your appointment.

Emergency Contraception options

Emergency contraceptive pill

The emergency contraceptive pill should ideally be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and can be taken within 72 hours. It is most effective the sooner it is taken.

Copper intrauterine device (IUD or “copper coil")

A copper IUD can be inserted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can also continue to provide ongoing contraception once fitted.

Where to get emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is available free of charge from:

• local Emergency Departments
• community pharmacies
• dispensing GP practices.

If you need emergency contraception from a GP practice, please let the receptionist know that you require an emergency appointment when booking.

Pregnancy Testing Kits

Free pregnancy testing kits are available for confidential collection from the Public Health Department.

If you would prefer, testing kits can also be posted to you discreetly. To request a kit by post, please email wi.hirs@nhs.scot or call Public Health department on 01851 708055.

If you have a positive pregnancy test or would like advice and support, please contact your GP practice or contact a Midwife through your local hospital’s Maternity Team for your first appointment.

Pregnant… What next?

If you have recently found out that you are pregnant, you should contact your local hospital's Maternity Team to arrange your first appointment with a midwife. Your midwife will provide information, support, and advice throughout your pregnancy and help you access the care you need.

An anonymous text service is also available for anyone who has questions or concerns about their pregnancy, even before their first appointment with a midwife. You can text 07769 932189 for confidential advice and support.

If preferred, a discreet meeting can be arranged away from hospital premises before your first appointment.

Pregnancy concerns and support

Finding out you are pregnant can bring a range of emotions, and it is important to know that confidential information and support are available whatever your circumstances.

If you would like to discuss your options or have concerns about your pregnancy, support is available from local maternity services on 01851 708300, via the anonymous text service on 07769 932189, or from the Western Isles Pregnancy Crisis Support Service on 07901 966101.

If you have decided that you would like to end your pregnancy, you can access termination services through:

• your GP practice
• local maternity services on 01851 708300
• the anonymous text service on 07769 932189
• the Social Gynaecology Service in Inverness on 01463 705667.

Following a request for a termination, a healthcare professional will arrange an assessment to confirm the stage of pregnancy and discuss the most appropriate care options with you.

In many cases, a medical termination can be carried out at home if the pregnancy is under 10 weeks. Care may also be provided through Western Isles Hospital where appropriate. A suitable collection point for medication will be arranged, and support will be available throughout the process from trained healthcare staff.

Further information is available from the NHS Inform's Abortion: Tests and Treatment guide and the Pregnancy Advisory Service.

Safe Access Zones

Safe Access Zones have been in place across Scotland since 24 September 2024 at all locations where abortion services are provided. Within a Safe Access Zone, it is against the law to intentionally influence, harass, obstruct, or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services. The aim is to ensure that people can access healthcare safely, privately, and with dignity. There are 30 Safe Access Zones across Scotland. For more information visit Abortion services: Safe Access Zones.

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)

If you have recently experienced rape or sexual assault, you may be feeling unsure about what to do next or where to seek support. SARCS (Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service) is a dedicated NHS service that provides healthcare, support, and forensic medical services in the days following an assault.

You can access SARCS even if you are not ready to report the assault to the police or are unsure about doing so. The service is confidential and aims to support you in making the choices that are right for you.

SARCS is a self-referral service. After you make contact, a healthcare professional will call you back to discuss your needs and arrange appropriate care and support.

Freephone: 0800 148 8888

Further information about SARCS is available via the NHS Inform Turn to SARCS guide or NHS Western Isles' SARCS (Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service).

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

Many STIs do not cause any symptoms so it is possible to have an infection without knowing it. If you have had unprotected sex, have changed sexual partners, or are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STI it is important to get tested.

STI testing is confidential and may involve a urine sample, blood test, swab, or a combination of these, depending on the infection being tested for.

Many STIs can be treated easily, particularly when diagnosed early. If left untreated, some infections can lead to longer-term health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and complications during pregnancy.

For more information about sexual health and STIs, visit the NHS Inform Sexual and Reproductive guide.

If you think you may have an STI or would like advice about testing, please contact your GP practice or sexual health service. Using condoms correctly and consistently can help reduce the risk of STIs as well as unplanned pregnancy.

.

PrEP

PrEP is a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. It is intended for people who are HIV-negative and who may be at higher risk of HIV infection.

PrEP is available free of charge in Scotland through NHS sexual health services. A healthcare professional can discuss whether PrEP is suitable for you and provide information on how to take it safely and effectively. For further information, visit the NHS Inform HIV PrEP guide.

Useful Links

• GP Surgeries & Clinics
• Hospitals
• Public Health Department

Useful Websites

• NHS Inform – provides reliable information and advice on health conditions, treatments, services, and healthy living in Scotland.
• Family Planning Association – provides reliable information and resources on contraception, sexual health, relationships, and reproductive wellbeing.
• Sandyford – offers specialist information on sexual health, contraception, and HIV prevention.
• Brook – provides free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing information and support for young people.
• Abortion: Tests and treatment – trusted information on abortion services in Scotland, including how to access care, treatment options, and what to expect throughout the process.
• Terrence Higgins Trust – a national sexual health and HIV charity offering trusted information, support, and advice.
• National AIDS Trust – provides information about HIV and works to end HIV stigma, discrimination, and new transmissions.
• Scottish Drugs Forum – provides information and support relating to HIV, hepatitis, and sexual health.
• Waverley Care – Scotland's HIV and Hepatitis C charity – Scotland's HIV and hepatitis C charity, providing support, advice, and education.
• Miscarriage UK – Because every loss matters – provides information and support for anyone affected by miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
• Tommy's – provides trusted information on fertility, pregnancy, and baby loss.