Can you speak to us in confidence?
All of our staff (Doctors, Nurses, HCAs, Care Navigators and Administrators) are bound by a professional code which means that even if you are under the age of 16 you have the same right to confidentiality as an adult.
We will not pass on any information about your visit to anyone unless we feel you are in serious danger ( a very rare situation) and even then we would always discuss this with you first.
Please see our Children and Young People’s Privacy Policy below.
Your Appointment
When booking your appointment you can, if you wish, specify whether you want to see a male or female doctor. If you would like to bring a family member or friend to your appointment – that’s fine.
Very occasionally you may need an ‘intimate examination’. We will always discuss this with you first. You have the choice to refuse this, come back another time or attend another clinic. If you decide to have the examination we will offer you a chaperone (another member of staff- -usually a nurse -to attend, if you wish).
Health appointments by phone or in person for Young People.
If you need a health appointment, health workers (e.g. doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, mental health workers, care navigators, youth workers) are here to help you with your physical or mental health, or to signpost you to other places for support.
Deciding whether to have an in person or phone appointment, is based on your choice, your medical needs and whether it is an emergency or not.
Common Health Problems
There are some common problems that may affect you and you may wish to discuss with one of our team:
- Skin problems
- Period problems
- Headache/ migraine
- Family/ relationship problems
- Stress/ low mood
- School/ college problems – exams/work/bullying
- Lifestyle: weight/ eating/ diet
- Lumps and bumps: skin, testicles, breasts or vagina
- Peer pressure – being encouraged to do something by your friends that you don’t feel happy about
- Worries about alcohol/ smoking/ using drugs
- Having sex/ safe sex/ contraception/ sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (We can help with all contraception, including emergency contraception, including if you are under 16)
- Free condoms are available – please make an appointment with the nurse
- Pregnant?
- Sexuality
Where else can I go for help?
Some teenagers are worried about going to the doctor’s surgery for help. We hope this information will make it easier for you to see us but if you prefer, there are many other places you can get confidential help and advice:
Parent or family member
Can be surprisingly helpful and are often more aware than you might think. We may encourage you to discuss your problem with your parent(s) but only if you are happy to. We will not pass on any information to them ourselves, even if you are under 16.
School nurse
Contact her through your school
Yor Sexual Health Clinic
For free & confidential advice and help on Contraception, Sexually transmitted infection Click Here
NHS 111 Tel: 111 (24 hours)
NHS information and advice service, providing advice and details of medical services including where to go for emergency contraception.
Beat Eating Disorders
Beat Eating Disorders is the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS or any other difficulties with food, weight and shape. Beat are here to support eating disorder sufferers and their families and campaign on their behalf for better treatment.
The Beat Youthline is open to anyone under 18. Youthline: 0808 801 0711 Email: [email protected]
Compass Buzz
BUZZ US is a text messaging service for young people aged 11-18. Young people across North Yorkshire are able to text 07520 631168 regarding any Mental Health and Wellbeing issues and receive advice, support and signposting from one of the Compass Buzz Wellbeing Workers. To find out more Click Here
Recovery College Online
Tees, Esk and Wear Valley Foundation Trust have worked with Academic Health Science Network to develop a site full of advice, ideas and online courses to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing >> Recovery College online
Comments/suggestions/complaints
If you have any ideas that will help us to improve our service to you, we have a suggestion box at reception. You could also talk to the care navigator team or the Practice Business Manager.
Spa Surgery Patient Participation Group
A great way to get involved and help shape the services that are available to young people in our locality is by joining the practice patient participation group. You will be contacted from time to time and asked to attend focus groups or participate in questionnaires that will be used to review and improve services. If you are interested in becoming part of the participation group, please completed the form below.