We provide free and confidential sexual health, contraception and HIV services in Plymouth.
How our services are affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Walk-in services are not operating and have been replaced by daily telephone triage. Staff remain on site for reduced services. Please call 01752 431124 to speak to us (we are closed Tuesday afternoons after 12.30pm).
SHiP services at the Zone and Cumberland Centre are reduced, and are being coordinated from SHiP Derriford. Please check our Young Persons page or The Zone website for their operating status.
Tavistock and Kingsbridge clinics are currently closed.
Free condoms by post for 16-25 year olds – call 07867 358187 (Mon – Fri, 9am to 5pm) if your usual C-Card site is closed and you need access to free condoms.
STI testing: Please use our free online testing service, or call us for a telephone consultation.
Test results: significant laboratory testing capacity has been diverted to Covid-19 testing. We are working our hardest to get results back to patients within 14 days, but due to the circumstances there may be unavoidable delays. Please bear with us.
Routine Contraception: Patients are able to access their preferred choice of contraception if this is a suitable method for them following an assessment, which is currently performed by telephone due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Where you live and your age may impact which service will provide these options for you.
Many patients are able to access routine and emergency contraception from their own GP.
Implants and coils due to expire: if you are concerned that your contraceptive implant or coil is due to expire, there is new expert advice that these devices are safe to stay in place and remain effective for one year beyond their expiry date – please call us to discuss options with us
Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available through SHiP, your GP or enhanced pharmacy providers across the Plymouth and Devon. Please see our Emergency Contraception page for full list (free to women under 25).
The Pregnancy Advisory Service is still operating. A nurse or doctor will call you in advance of your appointment in the days before. Please read the information on the link above now, make sure your phone is switched on and you are in a quiet place where you can talk. Call us on 01752 431129 for new enquires.
If you are a person living with HIV, updates on how coronavirus may affect you are available at the links below. In summary:
1. People with CD4 >200 and undetectable on ART are considered at no greater risk than the general population; follow general advice
2. People with CD4 <200, detectable viral load or not on ART may be at higher risk of severe illness; follow general advice
3. People with a CD4 count <50 or opportunistic illness in last 6 months; follow shielding advice for extremely vulnerable
There is no current threat to antiretroviral supplies in the UK. Please contact us a month before your current prescription is due to run out to arrange a prescription.
Order a home STI test kit online
If you would prefer to test at home, you can order a free SHiP postal test kit online.
Answer a few questions about yourself and we will send the right test for you.
Results will be sent by SMS. All responses are encrypted and confidential.
Sexual Health in Plymouth is a partnership between University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust,
Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest, The Zone and the Eddystone Trust.
