Everyone including under 16 year olds, have a right to private and confidential advice about their health and wellbeing.

Your visit to your doctor is private unless you allow the doctor to tell someone else. Receptionists, practice nurses and anyone else working at the GP surgery cannot give out any information about you or even say that they saw you at the doctor’s

It is private and confidential when you talk to a school nurse.  It is not always private and confidential when you talk to a teacher.

Visiting Your GP

When you make an appointment you don’t have to tell the receptionist what the reason is. Staff will not make judgments about you or the reason you are there.

A carer, partner or friend can attend the doctor’s with you if you want support.

If you are under 16 years the doctor will ask you some questions to ensure that you fully understand about the treatment and choices they offer you. Questions might include:

Do you have a parent/carer or other adult you can talk to about sex and relationships?

Are you having sex because you want to or because you feel you should?

Do you know what safer sex is?

What do you think the risks of unprotected sex are?

You can talk to your GP or Practice Nurse about any health related topic, not just contraception, such as:

• Healthy eating.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Relationship issues including same sex relationships.
• If you are feeling down.
• Examining your body - breast and testicular checks.
• Alcohol.
• Drugs.
• Stress.
• Exercise.

Remember...... Your doctor will not tell your parents or carer you are having sex, or are thinking about having sex even if you are under 16. Your doctor will not tell anyone, even if the doctor does not give you treatment. The only reason why a doctor might have to consider passing on confidential information without your permission would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. However the doctor will discuss this with you first.

Take Control

T	ake control, talk to your GP or nurse
A	dvice and information is available
K	now your rights to advice and treatment
E	mbarrassed? Don't be!
C	ontraceptive choices
O	pen minded services
N	on-judgmental support
T	rust your GP or nurse
R	eliable information
O	ptions - make sure you know them
L	ook after yourself - take control of your sexual health