In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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When is the clinic open?

The clinic is open at these times:

  • Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 9:00am and 4:30pm
  • Wednesdays between 12:30 and 4:30pm

To book an appointment or for any general enquires call 02 5124 2184 during these hours.

We are not open on weekends or public holidays.

Last time I visited, I was able to walk in and wait. Why do I need to phone and book now?

We have changed to an appointment system. Having a booked appointment means you will be seen without having to wait too long.

I’m nearby the centre today, can I just drop in for an STI test?

No. You must call 02 5124 2184, and one of our friendly staff will book you an appropriate appointment.

What happens if I am late for my booked appointment?

We will try to see you, but you may need to re-schedule or you may even need to call again for another appointment time. If you are running late, please try to call and let us know.

It is important you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. Please allow time to find parking on the hospital campus.

What if I can’t attend my booked appointment?

You will need to call 02 5124 2184 and speak to Reception staff who will cancel your appointment and rebook if necessary. It is important to let us know early so we can give this time to someone else. If registered with my DHR, you have the option to cancel the appointment yourself.

What happens if I have missed my booked appointment?

You will need to call 02 5124 2184 and book another appointment

What are the symptoms of STI?

Common symptoms of STI include:

  • Discharge from your penis, anus or vagina
  • Genital or anal rash, lumps, ulcers or sores
  • Pain when you pass urine / pee
  • Deep pelvic pain with vaginal sex.

If you have symptoms, you should consider having a STI test. It’s important that you don’t have sex while you have symptoms to prevent accidently passing on infections to your partners.

I have symptoms and think I have an STI, what do I do?

You should call to book an appointment time. When you call, one of our sexual health nurses will talk to you about your symptoms, sexual activity and sexual partners. If indicated an appointment will be made for you. In some cases, we may help you find another suitable service.

It’s important that you don’t have sex while you have symptoms to prevent accidently passing on infections to your partners.

Someone I had sex with has told me they have an STI, what should I do?

It is important you get tested. You should call to book an appointment time at the clinic or with your GP.

When you call, one of our sexual health nurses will talk to you about your sexual activity and partners and book an appointment time for you. In some cases, we may help you find another suitable service.

Is there a cost to attend the clinic?

Canberra Sexual Health Centre is free to attend.

Where else can I get tested?

You can access testing and treatment for STI at any GP.

For other alternatives or suggested GP clinics see: https://meridianact.org.au/get-tested/

Where can I get emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’) in Canberra?

You can get emergency contraceptive pills from the following:

  • Most pharmacies in the ACT. You do not need a prescription.
  • The Walk-in Centres
  • Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
  • The Junction Youth Health Service
  • Canberra Sexual Health Centre

How do I get my results?

Results can take up to 7 days. You can access all your results via the ACT Health Digital Health Record app – myDHR. Please be assured that if you have any positive results the clinic will contact you by your preferred contact method.

What happens if I test positive for an STI?

This will depend on the treatment and follow up that is required. Treatment for STI is offered by booked appointment at the clinic or we might send you a prescription to pick up treatment from your local pharmacy.

If you test positive for STI we will talk to you about letting your sexual partners know that they should get tested too. This helps to stop the spread of infection. We can help you do this if you feel uncomfortable talking to your partners.

What is HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

PrEP is a preventive treatment for people with a medium to high risk of contracting HIV. PrEP can be taken daily or on-demand, with 3-monthly check-ups for STIs and HIV, and regular kidney function checks. GPs as well as doctors and nurse practitioners at the Sexual Health Centre can prescribe PrEP.

PrEP medication can be dispensed by any community pharmacy, although some may need a few days to order in your medication. If you have a Medicare card, PrEP costs the same as most usual prescriptions.

If you do not have a Medicare card, you can purchase PrEP privately with a prescription through online pharmacies.  Please book an appointment at the Sexual Health Centre or call Meridian (formerly the AIDS Action Council) on 02 6257 2855 for more information.

What is HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

HIV PEP should be started as soon as possible after HIV exposure. Please call us between 9:00am and 4:30pm to arrange an urgent PEP consultation— on Wednesday mornings when our clinic is closed you can contact us through switchboard 02 5124 0000. Please tell us you need a PEP consultation when you call.

If you require after hours PEP assistance, please visit your nearest Emergency Department.

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week