Welcome to the NHS Western Isles sexual health website.
NHS Western Isles offers family planning services, information, advice and contraceptive supplies, free of charge throughout the Western Isles.
There are many different contraceptive methods available, and it is worth taking the time to find out more about each one so that you can choose the best method to suit you.
It is important to get contraception sorted out before you start having sex.
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.
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 2pm-5pm
- Wednesday from 9am-1pm
- Thursday from 9am-1pm
To book your appointment tel. 01851 708305.
Free contraceptives are available from GP Surgeries (even if it is not your own GP), Hospitals, and Health Promotion Departments.
Uists & Barra
In the Uists and Barra, family planning services are provided by GP Practices.
Family planning and sexual health appointments can be booked at any GP Practice,
even if it is not at your own regular GP Practice.
There are many different contraceptive methods available, and it is worth taking the time to find out more about each one so that you can choose the best method to suit you.
Condoms (male condoms and female condoms) can help protect you from pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) if used correctly.
Longer-lasting contraception is more effective and could be better suited to your lifestyle. Once fitted it can last from 3 to 10 years and you can stop using it whenever you like. Longer-lasting contraception gives you more choice. However a condom should also be used to help protect against STIs.
For further information on the various types of contraception available visit NHS Inform's Contraception section.
Condoms and Lubricant
Free condoms and lubricant gel are provided by NHS Western Isles and are available from a number of locations. These include:
- GP Surgeries throughout the Western Isles
- Pointers Youth Cafe (Stornoway)
- Health Promotion (Stornoway and Benbecula)
No appointment is necessary and items can be collected as and when required.
Condoms and lubricant gel can also be posted out discreetly from the Health Promotion Department on request. Simply telephone (01851) 762017.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is used when contraception has failed or in the event of unprotected sex, to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, but it is more effective the sooner it is taken. However, between 72hrs and 120hrs (5 days) a copper coil can be inserted for emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception can be obtained free of charge from local Emergency Departments, all pharmacists, or dispensing GP Practices.
If you require emergency contraception from a GP Practice, please inform the receptionist you require an Emergency Appointment when booking your appointment.
Pregnancy Testing Kits
Pregnancy Test Kits are available free of charge for confidential collection from the Health Promotion Department.
Tests can also be posted out discreetly on request by telephoning (01851) 762017, or Health Promotion (Uists) (01870) 603156.
Pregnant… What next?
When you first find out you are pregnant you should contact a Midwife through your local hospital’s Maternity Team for your first appointment.
An anonymous Text Service (0776 993 2189) is offered for anyone who has any pregnancy issues, even before meeting their Midwife. If required, a discreet meeting can be arranged out with hospital premises before the first appointment.
Pregnancy concerns and Termination of Pregnancy requests
If you are unsure about continuing your pregnancy, information and support is offered from the local Maternity services on 01851 708300 or using the anonymous test service (0776 993 2189) and also from the Western Isles Pregnancy Crisis Support Service, tel. 07901 966 101.
If you are sure about terminating your pregnancy, this service can be accessed through a health professional by phoning 01851 708300 or your GP, using the anonymous text service (0776 993 2189), or directly through the Social Gynaecology Service at Inverness, tel. 01463 704431 (available on Tuesday and Wednesdays).
Usually medical terminations can be provided at home, if less than 10 weeks or in Western Isles hospital. Once a termination is requested a review will carried out to determine gestation and circumstances. A pick up point for medications will be arranged and patients will be fully supported through the process by a trained member of staff.
Additional information can be viewed via NHS Inform's Abortion: Tests and Treatment or the Pregnancy Advisory Service.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are bacterial or viral infections which are spread through unprotected sexual contact.
STIs can go unnoticed after a person is infected, as often they show no symptoms. If you are concerned and have had unprotected sex, you should see your GP for an STI test.
STIs are tested through urine, blood or swab. STIs are often easy to get rid of, but if left untreated may cause serious damage to long-term health and fertility. If there is a chance you may have an STI, it’s always better to be tested.
For further information on STIs visit NHS Inform's sexual and reproductive health section.
GP Surgeries & Clinics
Lewis (01851)
Group Practice 703145
Habost Clinic 810689
Broadbay Medical Practice 703588
Langabhat Medical Practice (North Lochs) 860222
Langabhat Medical Practice (Uig) 672283
Langabhat Medical Practice (Pairc) 880272
Langabhat Medical Practice (Borve) 850282
Langabhat Medical Practice (Carloway) 643333
Western Isles Hospital 704704
Health Promotion Department 762017
Harris (01859)
North Harris Medical Practice 502421
South Harris Medical Practice 520278
North Uist (01876)
North Uist Medical Practice 500333
Benbecula (01870)
Benbecula Medical Practice 602215
Uist & Barra Hospital 603603
Balivanich Community Clinic 602266
Health Promotion Department 603156
South Uist (01878)
South Uist Medical Practice 700302
Barra (01871)
Barra Medical Practice 810282
St. Brendan’s Hospital 812021
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- LAST REVIEWED ON: April 9, 2024