"There are no weak links"

The original outburst of anal warts was 32 years during chemotherapy due to a deficient immune system rather than a sexual encounter and treated by my GP. Over the following years there had been intermittent flare ups which quickly abated. On this occasion that was not the case and after deliberating for far too long I contacted my GP who referred me to Cobridge SHS.

Despite the understanding, support and trust of my wife I felt embarassed and ashamed that as a 64 year old man I was attending a sexual health clinic. I was angry that the ravages of cancer still lingered 30 plus years later.

I am happy to say that all of my concerns and worries were completely unfounded.

From the first phone call until my last consultation the staff have been amazing. Empathetic, sympathetic, caring, listening and non-judgemental are the best words to describe them all.

I have experienced the full range of health care professionals throughout my life and without doubt the team at Cobridge SHS are not just the best individually but collectively. There are no weak links.

The administration staff are attentive, informative and helpful, the medical nursing staff and doctors do not judge, explain the procedures, listen to your thoughts and concerns and put you at ease. The doctor I dealt with most was the most approachable and understanding I have ever encountered.

I believe if GPs, their surgeries and the rest of the NHS could emulate this service health care in the UK, which I believe is amazing despite its challenges, would be unbeatable.