"Contraception Services made complicated"

I have used the implant as my contraception for the last 9 years almost and am due to receive my fourth implant in the next few weeks.

Over the years I have had these placed in various clinics/GP surgeries in the UK due to moving around, however when I contacted Elgin Health Centre to have my next implant put in I felt they made it very complicated and I don't feel the reception staff had the right information/knowledge to help me book this appointment.

Firstly the receptionist booked me in for a pill check for whatever reason when I asked for an appointment in the Contraception clinic, I explained that I needed an implant put in. So once that was explained they said they would book me in to have a chat with a Nurse in the clinic. I explained that as this was my fourth implant I didn't feel this appointment was required. I was then asked why there was no record of me having an implant before to which I responded I didn't know why.

I was then repeatedly asked if I had 'the paper', I had absolutely no idea what paper they were referring to and asked which paper, the receptionist just kept saying the paper. Finally realised they meant the card you get when you  have an implant in so you know when it runs out (3 years time) explained I didn't have this anymore. Again went on to ask why I didn't have a prescription? Again, no answer for that. I've always walked into clinics and had it changed, never needed a prescription.

This went back and forward before I was passed onto a another receptionist who told me they would request a prescription and I could pick it up. So I'm absolutely lost. Pick up a prescription for what? To collect the implant. Again never had to do that. So then I said 'Ok, who will put it in then?' only after which the new receptionist booked me in for that. 

I've worked as a sexual health Nurse so luckily knew what I was talking about and what I needed but I honestly feel if a young person had phoned up that day it would have totally bewildered them and put them off going ahead with the contraception. If I had been 16 years old and going there for my first implant I would have absolutely been put off. Thankfully we had the drop in clinic in Dr Grays when I was that age and I didn't have to muck around picking up prescriptions, which categorically I can say at 16 I would've been absolutely mortified having to do.