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They really helped me not to feel embarrassed

Posted By sigmayj73

"They really helped me not to feel embarrassed"

About: Sexual Health Services - South Staffordshire (Open Clinic)

(as the patient),

I felt so sore a few days after having unprotected sex. I booked an appointment and got swabbed to confirm I have BV and Thrush.

I received antibiotics for BV and a pessarie/cream for thrush.

After another 4 days I noticed sores that looked like cold sores. I booked another appointment and was advised it is likely genital herpes. I have been reassured that 70% of the population carry the cold sore virus and it can lie dormant until you have a weakened immune system. The member of staff really helped me not to feel embarrassed about this and explained it’s very common. All my other tests for STI’s came back clear and I received the help and support I needed.

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Responses

Response from Andrew Garratt, Senior Administrator, South Staffordshire SHS & HIV Services, Inclusion 2 weeks ago
Andrew Garratt
Senior Administrator, South Staffordshire SHS & HIV Services,
Inclusion

I have been working in Sexual Health since 2004 and my responsibilities are Data Validating and responding to Care Opinion feedback. I am very passionate about my job and believe that the human touch is important with patient care.

Submitted on 26/09/2025 at 13:34
Published on Care Opinion at 13:34

picture of Andrew Garratt

Hi Sigmayj73,

My name is Andrew and I am a Senior Administrator for the Open Clinic and part of my role is to respond to Care Opinion feedback. I would firstly like to thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback which does mean a lot to our team and is an important contribution to learning and service improvement.

I am pleased that the member of staff helped you not feel embarrassed about your diagnosis. 😊

Kind regards,

Andrew Garratt, Senior Administrator

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