What is a Walk-in London GUM Clinic?

GUM stands for Genito-Urinary Medicine. It's a term used by the NHS for their sexual health clinics. There are hundreds of NHS GUM clinics dotted across the UK, with around 30 in London alone.

The idea behind GUM clinics is that you can find anonymous STI testing without having to get referred by your GP. However, there are alternatives to NHS clinics, and not all NHS practices offer a walk-in service.

Are all GUM clinics NHS-run?

GUM is simply an acronym for a medical specialisation. Really, the name GUM clinic can apply to any sexual health practice that offers testing. So it is possible to find private GUM clinics in London.

What does 'walk-in' mean?

A walk-in clinic allows you to turn up without an appointment and get seen as soon as possible. It's ideal for people who have unpredictable schedules, struggle to get time off work, or who want to avoid telling colleagues and friends about their whereabouts.

Do all GUM clinics offer a walk-in service?

Not all clinics (NHS or private) offer walk-in services. In fact, many London clinics that do offer a walk-in service still have long waiting times and recommend that you phone ahead regardless.

However, the best private clinics will offer much more flexible opening times and a faster walk-in service.

So, is private a better option?

The best private practices will offer swift, discreet and friendly walk-in services. Perhaps most importantly, they will usually open at more convenient times (such as evenings and weekends) so that you don't have to take time off work. You're also less likely to have to sit in a waiting room for hours before your testing.

What type of tests do clinics offer?

This depends on the clinic. Most will offer the standard range of STI tests – from chlamydia to HIV.

However, many private clinics will offer a more extensive range of testing, with more AIDS test options. For example, NHS clinics only offer the HIV antibody test. This is reliable for detecting infection that took place at least three months beforehand.

However, at some private clinics, you may be able to use the PCR test, accurate in testing for signs of HIV from as little as 10 days after infection.

When can I see my results?

Again, this is dependent on the clinic and the type of STI test you take. However, in the case of private clinics, you can expect your results within 24hrs, and often within minutes of taking the test.

If I choose private, what should I look out for?

First of all, make sure that the clinic is Care Quality Commission approved and registered. You should also be able to check any testimonials and references on the clinic's website. If in doubt, visit the clinic to gauge the environment and location for yourself. It should be welcoming, comfortable and have friendly, non-judgemental staff.