"Please give us a location and service that we deserve"

Today was the first time I have been to the Sir Robert Peel Tamworth sexual health clinic since it was moved into the main building.

Let me start by saying the staff were great as always. Friendly and professional, I couldn't recommend the team enough.

However, I found the recent move into the main building anything but pleasant. I struggled to find the area I needed (the receptionist was tucked away in the corner). As you can imagine I didn't really want to start asking where the sexual health clinic was in a busy hospital, where many other patients were.

I found it rather embarrassing that the large waiting area could see I was there to see someone in relation to my sexual health. I feel that this new arrangement doesn't take in to consideration the personal nature of the clinic. I felt awkward and reluctant to attend as I felt I was on show for everyone to see. I felt that nothing was discreet about where I was going.

At one point I was in a makeshift cubical next to a waiting area. The nurse was being as discreet as possible but they could still hear us talking.

The great thing about where the clinic was before in the hospital was that it had its own reception away from the rest of the building. So if you were coming to get a sexual health screening or talk about something personal you felt comfortable. You didn't feel stigmatised. In its current location I don't feel comfortable attending the clinic and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I feel that its current location will impact on people's mental health and that although the staff in the clinic treat us with dignity and respect, the hospital itself doesn't.

This move has also reduced the service down to one day a week, which has meant I've had to take a day's annual leave just so I can attend the clinic.

Please give us a location and service that we deserve and treats its patients with the dignity and respect we should get.

Thank you