"Sexual Health Clinic - Barnstaple"

I have struggled with testing and smears for many years, often having to have them done under general anesthetic because of the physical and psychological pain I have experienced due to the complexity of my history,

This year HPV returned after many years of dormancy and I struggled to know where to turn and who could help. I worried about being judged and that the procedures I needed would be too triggering for me to contemplate. At the same time I knew I needed to do something about it. My GP surgery didn't have an opening for several weeks and because of this I turned to the sexual health clinic in Barnstaple.

I had several appointments with different members of staff but Nic was the one constant who was always there.

Every member of staff treated me with kindness and professionalism but more than this they were so compassionate and thoughtful of my needs and experiences. Nic was amazing, she held my hand throughout every appointment whether I was in tears or laughter. She made sure my appointments were made on days that she was around and was so knowledgeable about my condition. I asked her, and the other staff so many questions that I worried they would get fed up with me but they never did. They treated me with such respect and kindness that this brought a tear to my eye. The non-judgmental attitude of the staff I met was a credit to the service.

Not only was the experience manageable for me it was completed with compassion and thoughfulness and I can not thank the staff enough for their dedication and commitment to the principles of the sexual health service.

Please forward this onto them with my sincere thanks and appreciation of their work. From the doctor who treated me too the receptionist who booked me in all of you are amazing.