Sexual Health and BBV
In Orkney we have similar sexual health issues to the rest of Scotland including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs) however it is important to remember that sexual health is far more than just absence of sexual ill health but instead enjoying positive sexual health.
Orkney Sexual Health Clinic
The sexual health clinic in Orkney is named the Nordhaven Clinic.
This Clinic provides the consultations, including telephone consultations where appropriate, for:
- Advice regarding contraceptives
- Free Contraception including condoms
- Emergency contraception
- Menstrual (periods) and menopausal advice
- Advice regarding sexual dysfunction
- Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
- Pregnancy testing
- Any other sexual health related issue
You can access these services through any GP practice in Orkney. However, if you attend the Nordhaven Clinic you can request that the notes are not sent to your GP.
The service is situated at the Skerryvore GP Practice, The Balfour, Foreland Road, Kirkwall, Orkney. Appointments can be arranged Mon-Fri 9am-5pm by phoning 01856 888917. There is a young person’s drop-in clinic on a Wednesday 3.30pm – 5.30pm, when you do not require an appointment.
The Nordhaven Clinic website has a wide range of information on relationships and sexual health. It also provides access to Orkney’s condom by post scheme and postal HIV self-testing kits.
Nordhaven Clinic news and events via Facebook
Orkney’s needle exchange service also runs from the Nordhaven Clinic and stocks a variety of injecting packs including sports packs.
Free Condoms
You can get FREE condoms in Orkney from:
- Nordhaven Clinic - The Balfour, Kirkwall
- All GP Surgeries in Orkney (stocks available in the toilets)
- Youth Cafe, Kirkwall
- Public Health Dept, The Balfour, Kirkwall
- Accident & Emergency Department, The Balfour
- Condoms by post service (packages supplied on anonymous packaging) – information on accessing this service is available at www.nordhaven.co.uk Products Available - Naturelle (regular), Trim, Large, Mixed flavoured, Ribs and dots, Sensiva (FOR LATEX ALLERGIES) and TLC lubricant
Female condoms and flavoured dams are available at the Public Health Dept or on request from GP surgeries.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception was previously known as "The morning after pill", this term is no longer used because it's not accurate. Emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days after sex, but it's more effective the sooner you take it.
If you have had unprotected sex; that is, sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception is available free of charge in Orkney from:
- GP practices (Mon - Fri)
- Boots the chemist, Kirkwall (9:00am - 5:30pm, Mon - Sat)
- WHB Sutherlands, Stromness and Kirkwall (9:00am - 5:30pm, Mon - Sat)
- Norsepharm Limited, Dounby (9am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri, 10am - 1pm, Sat)
- Emergency Department, The Balfour, Kirkwall (24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
- Nordhaven Clinic, The Balfour, Kirkwall (9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri)
Relationships
Relationships are important to positive sexual health. A healthy relationship is based on good communication and respect. In a sexual relationship, intimacy and trust can be built through talking about your feelings and what you do and do not like. This honesty can build an emotional connection which can help to make sex the best it can be.
Find out more for sexual health advice
Locally, Relationship Scotland Orkney provides a range of services to support individuals, couples and families and promote positive relationships including providing help and support for separated families.
For contact details and more information about RSO
Pregnancy and Parenthood
As soon as you learn you are pregnant, you should let your GP or the midwives know. This will help you to receive maternal healthcare which will take into account your health needs and preferences. The Balfour maternity unit which covers Orkney can be contacted on 01856 888238.
If you are a parent looking for information, have a look at the Triple P parenting tips, information and advice available. Triple P can offer information, support and practical answers to everyday parenting concerns.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
There are a variety of support services available for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The LGBT Scotland helpline provide information and emotional support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their families, friends and supporters. They also provide support to anyone questioning their gender or sexual identity or wanting more information regarding any of these issues.
Find out how to contact them and more information
More local support is available through the Highland LGBT Forum
Support and information for young people
Consent
All relationships, including sexual relationships, should be free from harm and coercion. Consent is a free agreement. It does not depend on what kind of relationship you are in or whether you have said yes in the past, everyone has the right to say no at any time. There may be many reasons why someone cannot reasonably give consent including being asleep or being subject to threats. If you or anyone else you know has been subjected to abuse, harm or coercion within a relationship, support in Orkney is available from:
Orkney Rape Crisis who provide emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to anyone effected by sexual violence. Find out more
Women’s Aid Orkney provide support, including emotional and practical support, to women and children affected by domestic abuse. Women’s aid also offer advice and assistance on personal protection and safety and a wide range of other support and advice.
Mens Advice Line provide support, information and advice for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Keeping Your Children Safe and Online Security
Teach your child the Underwear Rule and help protect them from abuse. It's a simple way that parents can help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex.
Advice and information about online safety is available on the CEOP website for kids, young people and parents/carers.
Pornography
Many people use pornography for a variety of reasons but if you are worried about your pornography use, CEOP’s website gives information, advice and support services
Local support services provide counselling and support for people affected by pornography. These are:
Ypeople Orkney(for young people)
For more information on any of the above, please contact the Public Health Department at The Balfour, Kirkwall. Tel: 01856 888034.