Top Sexual Health Clinics in London

London’s NHS sexual health clinics provide confidential testing, treatment, contraception, HIV prevention and specialist support without requiring a GP referral.

The appropriate clinic depends on the reason for attending. Routine testing may be available through a postal kit, while symptoms, a diagnosed partner, emergency contraception, possible HIV exposure, sexual assault or safeguarding concerns require a different and often more urgent pathway.

This guide covers six current NHS services with different locations, opening patterns and specialist provision. It is not a ranking of clinical quality, and availability can change daily according to capacity.

Urgent sexual health help

Possible exposure to HIV

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, known as PEP, should be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after a possible exposure.

Contact an open sexual health clinic immediately. Outside clinic hours, attend the nearest accident and emergency department rather than waiting for the clinic to reopen.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is time sensitive.

A copper intrauterine device can be the most effective option in suitable circumstances, while emergency contraceptive pills have different time limits. Contact a sexual health clinic, NHS 111, a pharmacy or another appropriate NHS service promptly.

Sexual assault

Specialist sexual assault referral centres provide medical care, forensic examination, emotional support and help without requiring a police report.

London’s Havens can be contacted on 020 3299 6900. Call 999 where there is immediate danger or a serious medical emergency.

Severe pain, heavy bleeding or acute illness

Attend urgent care or A&E where symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or accompanied by collapse, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or another medical emergency.

What distinguishes a suitable sexual health clinic?

A suitable service should clearly explain who it sees, whether access is walk-in or appointment based, which urgent problems it handles and how test results are communicated.

Check:

• Walk-in, appointment or postal testing
• Current capacity
• Symptoms accepted
• STI testing and treatment
• HIV testing
• PrEP
• PEP
• Emergency contraception
• Ongoing contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• HIV care
• Vaccination
• Young people’s service
• LGBTQ+ specialist sessions
• Trans and non-binary support
• Chemsex support
• Psychosexual support
• Sexual assault pathway
• Accessibility
• Confidentiality
• Results process
• Whether the service covers the patient’s borough

Do not travel solely on the basis of old map opening hours. Check the official clinic page on the day.

At a glance

Capacity, opening hours and eligibility may change. Call or check the official service before travelling.

Are NHS sexual health services free?

NHS sexual health services are generally free and confidential, including for people registered with a GP elsewhere.

Commonly available services include:

• STI testing
• STI treatment
• HIV testing
• PrEP assessment and supply
• PEP assessment
• Emergency contraception
• Condoms
• Contraceptive advice
• Contraceptive pills
• Implants and coils at suitable appointments
• Vaccination for eligible patients
• Partner notification
• Sexual health advice

Private clinics charge according to consultation, tests and treatment. A low advertised consultation fee may exclude laboratory testing, medication and follow-up.

56 Dean Street

Address: 56 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 6AQ
Phone: 020 3315 5656
Opening: Monday and Tuesday, 8am–7pm; Wednesday, noon–7pm; Thursday, 8am–7pm; Friday, 9am–4pm; Saturday, 11am–4pm; Sunday closed
Trust: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Format: Appointments, emergency pathways and selected walk-in services
Website

56 Dean Street is an NHS sexual health and HIV clinic in Soho with a particular focus on reducing infections and supporting sexual wellbeing among LGBTQI+ communities.

The clinic provides STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, PrEP, PEP assessment, vaccinations for eligible patients and support following a new diagnosis.

People with symptoms such as genital or anal discharge, pain when passing urine, ulcers or painful blisters should contact the clinic so the service can direct them to the correct appointment. The same applies where a sexual partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, LGV or HIV.

Dean Street Express at 34 Dean Street provides a separate rapid-testing and PrEP route. People starting PrEP for the first time can currently walk into Dean Street Express or call for an appointment.

56T runs on Wednesday evenings by appointment and provides sexual health and wellbeing support for trans and non-binary people, their partners and friends.

The service also provides chemsex support and targeted services for younger gay and bisexual men. Specialist session times and referral availability should be confirmed because they can change separately from the main clinic.

Routine contraception is not the clinic’s central service. People mainly seeking implants, coils or ongoing contraceptive care may be directed to another Chelsea and Westminster sexual health clinic.

Pros

• Central Soho location
• Strong LGBTQI+ and HIV-prevention focus
• PrEP, PEP and STI services
• Dedicated trans and non-binary provision

Best for: LGBTQI+ patients, people seeking PrEP or specialist central London sexual health support, and those with symptoms requiring clinic assessment.

What to confirm: Use the clinic’s appointment tool or call before travelling, especially for symptoms, PEP, vaccination or specialist sessions.

Jefferiss Wing Sexual Health Clinic

Address: St Mary’s Hospital, Winston Churchill Wing, Praed Street, London W2 1NY
Phone: 020 3312 1225
Sexual health opening: Monday, 9am–7pm; Tuesday, 9am–4pm; Wednesday, noon–7pm; Thursday and Friday, 9am–4pm
HIV outpatient service: Weekdays, with reduced Wednesday hours
Trust: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Website

Jefferiss Wing provides sexual health and HIV services at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Patients can self-refer without a GP. Appointments are arranged through the sexual health line, and the service also connects eligible patients with Sexual Health London postal testing.

The clinic provides STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, PrEP and PEP, emergency contraception and long-acting reversible contraception. It also has a dedicated service for people under 18 on weekday afternoons.

Jefferiss provides specialist HIV outpatient care and hosts an HTLV service for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. These specialist pathways are separate from routine STI screening and may require a defined appointment or referral process.

Emergency contraception can be accessed by calling or attending during clinic hours. For PEP outside opening hours, patients should attend A&E rather than waiting.

The hospital setting can be useful where a patient needs specialist medical assessment. It also means the sexual health clinic and HIV clinic have different opening patterns, so the correct service should be checked.

Pros

• Sexual health and specialist HIV care
• PrEP, PEP and contraception
• Dedicated under-18 service
• Specialist HTLV provision

Best for: Patients seeking a hospital-based sexual health service with access to specialist HIV or HTLV care.

What to confirm: Call the appointment line to establish whether the concern needs a routine booking, urgent walk-in or specialist clinic.

Clifden Centre

Address: Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR
Phone: 020 7683 4103
Walk-in opening: Monday and Tuesday, 9am–3.30pm; Wednesday, noon–3.30pm; Thursday and Friday, 9am–3.30pm
Saturday service: Booked clinics on selected Saturdays, generally 10am–3pm
Trust: Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Website

Clifden Centre is Homerton’s principal sexual health clinic and replaced some access previously provided through the now-closed 80 Leadenhall Street satellite.

The centre offers weekday walk-in clinics, appointments and selected booked Saturday services. Walk-in capacity is limited, and patients may be offered an alternative appointment if the clinic is full.

Services include STI testing and treatment, contraception, PrEP, PEP, vaccinations for eligible patients and HIV treatment through the Jonathan Mann Clinic.

Clifden also runs dedicated services for young people, LGBTQI+ patients, people involved in sex work and patients experiencing sexual wellbeing or psychosexual difficulties.

The young people’s service operates at specified weekday times, while a specialist session for men who have sex with men currently runs on Thursday evenings. These sessions may use appointments and limited walk-in capacity.

The Homerton psychosexual service provides assessment and treatment for eligible people living in Hackney or the City of London who are experiencing sexual difficulties. Geographic eligibility should be checked.

The former 80 Leadenhall Street clinic closed permanently after its final day of service on 17 October 2025 and should no longer be used as a destination.

Pros

• Weekday walk-in service
• STI, contraception and HIV pathways
• Young people and LGBTQI+ specialist sessions
• Psychosexual and sexual wellbeing services

Best for: Hackney and City residents needing a broad NHS sexual health service, including walk-in, HIV and psychosexual pathways.

What to confirm: Check the day’s capacity, Saturday dates and eligibility for specialist services before travelling.

10 Hammersmith Broadway

Address: 10 Hammersmith Broadway, London W6 7AL
Phone: 020 3315 1010
Opening: Monday and Tuesday, 9am–7pm; Wednesday, 1pm–7pm; Thursday, 9am–4pm; Friday, 8.30am–noon
Trust: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Format: Same-day appointments and limited advance bookings
Website

10 Hammersmith Broadway provides community-based sexual health and HIV services in west London.

People with STI symptoms can book online or contact the call centre. The clinic releases same-day appointments and keeps only a limited number of appointments available in advance.

The service provides STI testing and treatment, contraception, PrEP, PEP and HIV outpatient care. Specific contraception procedures, including coils and implants, require the appropriate appointment rather than an assumption that they can be completed during any routine visit.

The clinic is closed on Wednesday mornings, Friday afternoons, weekends and bank holidays.

Patients seeking PEP should contact the service immediately during opening hours. Outside those times, they should attend A&E because PEP must be assessed and started urgently.

The building has a detailed AccessAble guide covering entrances, lifts, toilets and other access information. Patients with mobility or sensory requirements can review this before attending.

Earlier claims that all patients receive same-day rapid laboratory results should be avoided. Test type, processing time and clinical urgency determine when a result is available.

Pros

• Same-day appointment model
• STI, contraception, PrEP and PEP services
• Ongoing HIV outpatient care
• Published accessibility information

Best for: West London patients seeking a same-day sexual health appointment or combined sexual health and HIV care.

What to confirm: Call or book online and check whether the required contraception or test needs a specific appointment type.

Burrell Street Sexual Health Centre

Address: 4–5 Burrell Street, London SE1 0UN
Phone: 020 7188 6666
Opening: Monday and Tuesday, 8am–6.30pm; Wednesday, 12.30pm–6.30pm; Thursday and Friday, 8am–6.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am–3pm
Trust: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Format: Limited first-come, first-served walk-in service
Website

Burrell Street provides NHS sexual health services in Southwark and is one of the most useful options for people needing weekend access.

The service operates on a walk-in basis. Patients are allocated a slot for later the same day, subject to availability. If the clinic reaches capacity, they may be asked to return on another day.

The clinic provides STI testing, diagnosis and treatment, HIV testing, PrEP and other sexual health services according to clinical need and current pathways.

Patients with symptoms are advised to walk in. Arriving early improves the chance of being offered a same-day slot but does not guarantee one.

Weekend opening is a significant practical advantage, especially for people unable to attend during ordinary working hours. Bank holiday arrangements differ and should be checked.

Burrell Street should not be treated as an emergency department. PEP exposure, severe symptoms, assault or urgent contraception should be discussed immediately so the patient can be directed to the fastest appropriate pathway.

Pros

• Open seven days a week
• Weekend walk-in access
• Broad NHS sexual health service
• Central Southwark location

Best for: People seeking an NHS walk-in sexual health service, particularly on Saturday or Sunday.

What to confirm: Check opening hours on the day, arrive early and explain immediately if the need involves PEP, emergency contraception or acute symptoms.

John Hunter Clinic for Sexual Health

Address: Third Floor, St Stephen’s Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH
Phone: 020 3315 4040
Opening: Monday and Friday, 9am–4pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 9am–7pm; Wednesday, 1pm–7pm
Trust: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Format: Online and telephone appointments with same-day urgent pathways
Website

John Hunter Clinic provides sexual health and contraception services beside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Patients with symptoms can book online or contact the call centre. New appointments for symptomatic patients and people needing treatment are released daily after 8.30am.

The service offers STI testing and treatment, PrEP, contraception and specialist sexual health appointments.

Patients who need PEP, emergency contraception or are aged 17 or under can use the same-day care pathway during opening hours. Outside opening hours, people needing PEP should attend A&E.

The clinic provides only a limited number of advance sexual health appointments. This model prioritises current symptoms and urgent needs but may require patients to call on the day.

John Hunter Clinic closes on Wednesday mornings, weekends and bank holidays.

As part of a hospital-based service, it can coordinate with relevant specialist teams where needed. The correct appointment type should still be arranged in advance for procedures such as coil or implant fitting.

Pros

• Same-day pathway for PEP and emergency contraception
• Sexual health and contraception appointments
• Daily release of symptomatic appointments
• Hospital-based west London location

Best for: Chelsea and west London patients needing same-day urgent assessment or a booked sexual health and contraception appointment.

What to confirm: Call promptly after 8.30am for symptomatic appointments and attend A&E outside hours if PEP may be needed.

Postal STI testing through Sexual Health London

Sexual Health London provides free postal STI testing to eligible residents aged 16 or over in participating London boroughs.

Postal testing can be suitable where a person:

• Has no symptoms
• Has not been told that a partner has an STI requiring treatment
• Does not need PEP
• Does not need emergency contraception
• Does not need urgent examination
• Can safely receive a kit and results

A postal test is not a substitute for urgent clinic assessment.

When to attend a clinic rather than use a postal kit

Seek clinic advice where there is:

• Genital or anal discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Genital ulcer
• Painful blister
• Pelvic or testicular pain
• Unusual bleeding
• Rash associated with sexual contact
• A partner diagnosed with an STI
• Possible HIV exposure
• Need for emergency contraception
• Pregnancy concern
• Sexual assault
• Safeguarding concern
• Symptoms following overseas treatment
• Possible antibiotic-resistant infection

The clinic can determine which tests, examination and treatment are appropriate.

HIV PrEP

PrEP is medication taken before and around potential exposure to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

NHS sexual health clinics can assess:

• HIV status
• Kidney function
• Hepatitis status
• STI screening
• Dosing option
• Drug interactions
• Follow-up requirements

PrEP does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy.

Do not use medication supplied to another person or start without appropriate testing and clinical advice.

HIV PEP

PEP is an emergency course of medication taken after a possible exposure to HIV.

Important points:

• Start as soon as possible
• It must be started within 72 hours
• Earlier treatment is preferable
• Assessment considers the exposure and source
• A full course is usually required
• Follow-up testing is needed
• It is not guaranteed to prevent infection

Attend A&E outside sexual health clinic hours.

DoxyPEP and other newer prevention options

Some specialist services now provide doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis to selected eligible patients following clinical assessment.

This is not suitable for everyone and should not be self-prescribed. The clinician will consider eligibility, allergies, antibiotic resistance, interactions and monitoring.

Vaccination options may also be available to eligible patients according to current NHS guidance and clinic policy.

Contraception

Sexual health clinics may offer:

• Combined pill
• Progestogen-only pill
• Implant
• Copper coil
• Hormonal coil
• Injection
• Condoms
• Emergency contraception
• Advice on fertility awareness
• Pregnancy testing

Coils and implants generally require a specific procedure appointment and clinical assessment.

Confidentiality

Sexual health services are confidential.

Information is not ordinarily shared with a GP or another person without consent. Exceptions can apply where there is a serious safeguarding concern, immediate risk or legal requirement.

Young people can receive confidential sexual health care where the clinician considers that they understand the treatment and can make the decision.

The service should explain confidentiality and its limits.

Young people

Young people can access confidential sexual health advice, testing and contraception.

Clinicians will consider:

• Understanding and consent
• Safety
• Coercion
• Age difference
• Exploitation
• Domestic abuse
• Trafficking
• Immediate risk

Safeguarding questions are routine and are intended to support safety rather than judge sexual activity.

Trans and non-binary patients

A suitable clinic should respect:

• Name and pronouns
• Anatomy-based screening needs
• Hormone treatment
• Surgical history
• Fertility and contraception
• HIV and STI prevention
• Privacy
• Trauma-informed care

56 Dean Street’s 56T service provides a dedicated sexual health and wellbeing session for trans and non-binary people.

Chemsex support

Chemsex support may include:

• Harm reduction
• STI and HIV prevention
• PrEP and PEP
• Drug-use support
• Mental health support
• Safeguarding
• Peer support
• Referral to specialist services

Availability can change because these are specialist pathways. Contact the clinic rather than assuming immediate enrolment.

Psychosexual support

Psychosexual services address sexual difficulties that may have physical, psychological, relational or combined causes.

Support may cover:

• Pain during sex
• Erection difficulties
• Ejaculation concerns
• Low desire
• Arousal difficulties
• Vaginismus
• Impact of trauma
• Relationship factors
• Effects of illness or treatment

Geographic eligibility and referral criteria often apply.

HIV care

Ongoing HIV care is different from routine HIV testing.

Specialist HIV clinics may provide:

• Antiretroviral treatment
• Viral-load monitoring
• Medication review
• Vaccination
• Mental health support
• Sexual health care
• Pregnancy and fertility advice
• Support with disclosure
• Social and welfare referrals

People already receiving HIV care should contact their usual clinic for urgent advice where possible.

STI test windows

A negative test taken too soon after exposure may not rule out infection.

The appropriate testing time depends on:

• Infection
• Test type
• Symptoms
• Exposure
• Previous treatment
• Antibiotics
• Immune status

Do not delay urgent assessment while waiting for a routine test window if symptoms, PEP need or safeguarding concerns are present.

Test results

Results may be communicated by:

• Text
• Secure portal
• Telephone
• Clinic appointment
• Letter in selected circumstances

Ask:

• When results are expected
• How positive results are communicated
• What happens if contact details change
• Whether treatment can begin before every result is available
• How partners are notified

No clinic should promise a universal same-day result for every infection and test type.

Partner notification

Where an STI is diagnosed, the clinic may help notify recent sexual partners.

This can be:

• Patient-led
• Clinic-supported
• Anonymous through the service

Partner notification helps people obtain testing and treatment while protecting confidentiality.

Vaccination

Eligible patients may be offered vaccination against infections such as:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• HPV
• Mpox according to current eligibility and supply

Eligibility changes according to national guidance, risk and vaccine availability.

Accessibility

Check:

• Step-free entrance
• Lift
• Accessible toilet
• Hearing support
• Interpreter
• British Sign Language support
• Easy-read information
• Assistance-dog policy
• Quiet waiting arrangements
• Support person

10 Hammersmith Broadway publishes a detailed AccessAble guide. Other clinics can provide access information directly.

Questions to ask before attending

• Do I need an appointment?
• Can I walk in today?
• Are you at capacity?
• Do you provide PEP?
• Do you provide emergency contraception?
• Can you fit a coil or implant at this appointment?
• Is postal testing more appropriate?
• Do you treat symptoms?
• Is the service confidential?
• Do you have a young people’s clinic?
• Do you offer trans-specific support?
• Is chemsex support available?
• Is the clinic step-free?
• When will results arrive?
• What should I do if symptoms worsen?

Common warning signs in private sexual health advertising

Be cautious where a private provider:

• Guarantees complete confidentiality without explaining legal limits
• Promises every result in a few hours
• Uses unclear laboratory accreditation
• Sells PEP without urgent clinical assessment
• Offers antibiotics without appropriate testing
• Does not explain test windows
• Hides laboratory and medication costs
• Claims one panel tests for every STI
• Uses “full screen” without listing infections
• Provides no clinician registration details
• Encourages self-treatment with another person’s medication

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

No. NHS sexual health clinics generally accept self-referral.

Will my GP be told?

Not routinely without consent, although safeguarding and legal exceptions can apply.

Are NHS tests free?

Yes, NHS sexual health testing and treatment are generally free.

Can I attend a clinic outside my borough?

Often, but some specialist, contraception or psychosexual services have local eligibility rules.

Can I walk in?

Some clinics accept walk-ins, but capacity is limited. Others use same-day or pre-booked appointments.

How quickly must PEP be started?

As soon as possible and within 72 hours of exposure.

Can I get contraception at every clinic?

Not every method is available at every session. Coils and implants usually require a specific appointment.

Is 80 Leadenhall Street still open?

No. The Homerton satellite clinic closed permanently after 17 October 2025. Clifden Centre and other current Homerton locations provide ongoing services.

Choosing with confidence

56 Dean Street provides specialist LGBTQI+, PrEP and HIV-prevention services in Soho. Jefferiss Wing offers a hospital-based route with sexual health, contraception, HIV and HTLV care.

Clifden Centre provides broad Homerton services with weekday walk-ins, young people’s provision and specialist pathways. 10 Hammersmith Broadway offers same-day appointments and west London HIV care.

Burrell Street provides the broadest weekend walk-in access, while John Hunter Clinic offers same-day urgent pathways for PEP, emergency contraception and younger patients during opening hours.

Choose according to urgency, symptoms, location and the exact service required. For possible HIV exposure, emergency contraception, assault or severe symptoms, seek urgent advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

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