“My name is Chris. John and I had been close friends for two years, but things began to get intimate more recently. I was concerned, because neither of us anticipated it, we’d not been aware of our sexuality until then and also we were not at a comfortable stage to talk about it to each other. However, the next move was imminent, making it necessary for me to seek advice as quickly as possible for both of us.

I have to say that the sexual health clinic I visited was nothing like I expected it to be. I thought I’d simply walk in, grab a selection of leaflets off a table and walk out again. This wasn’t the case; it was all a lot more private and dignified than my initial perception. The clinic obviously needed to collect some information from me, which I was able to give through a touch screen in reception. It was really simple to use and nobody could see my details or the information I was accessing from it. The information was very helpful, it was web based, but very specific for what I needed to know and understand about my situation.

The touch screen also advised me to collect a box of condoms from the vending machine, so I selected the option, a ticket popped out and the screen asked me to take it to the vending machine. I went over and swiped the ticket over the machine’s barcode reader and my box of condoms (concealed within a discreet package) dropped out. I then left the clinic, called John and arranged to meet. The help and advice I had obtained from the clinic gave me the confidence to talk to John openly, because I knew more about our situation and I’m really pleased I went there.”

The technology behind Chri's' experience within the Sexual Health Clinic is known as Smart Clinic and it has been specifically designed and developed to work within Sexual Health Clinics. For more information please call 0116 232 4640 or email annie.taylor@voiceconnect.co.uk.