"The dreaded message - I've got an STD maybe you have too."

Message received and I duly contacted Devon Sexual Health. A couple of days later I had an appointment at Castle Circus where blood was taken, swabs of throat and anus and a urine sample. Now it's just waiting for the results. The blood was taken by a nurse but all the intimate swabs etc were by me in a private room.

At the same visit I was given the newly NHS available Meningitis jab which gives a level of protection against Gonorrhea and a prescription for Doxy Pep to lessen the chances of Chlamydia and Syphilis. Information had been sent to me from speaking to the clinic when the appointment had been booked - it wasn't sprung on me on the day.

From first telephone contact with the reception staff to every staff member I encountered during the visit I was treated with dignity and in a non judgemental way. I was given clear information about what was happening and choices at all times.

The staff are not only knowledgeable but friendly and professional - they could not be more helpful. I left with a sense that they are really looking out for my best interests.

It's not the nicest of reason to have to use an NHS service but I could not be happier at how I was looked after.

Where the service could improve for the user is the facilities - it's a shared building with a GP practice. A dedicated Sexual Health facility would be much better. The waiting room experience isn't the nicest at a stressful time - it does though.