We provide free and confidential sexual health, contraception and HIV services in Plymouth.
How our services are affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19)
To protect the public and NHS staff, we are replacing most face to face appointments with telephone calls.
A number of staff have been redeployed to Covid-19 wards but some remain here to provide urgent services. Please call 01752 431124 to speak to us.
SHiP services at the Zone, the Cumberland Centre, Tavistock and Kingsbridge are closed, BUT we are coordinating all these services from SHiP Derriford – on the telephone, online and by post.
This does not mean that The Zone is closed. Please check their website for their operating status.
Please do not come into clinic. Walk-in services are not operating.
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: Your GP can still provide contraception and emergency contraception. If you normally get your contraception or sexual health services from SHiP, please call us.
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 at 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.
General information on coronavirus can be found here.
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.
