If you are in NHS Lothian and need physical sexual healthcare—due to symptoms, PrEP needs, or vaccinations—Chalmers Sexual Health Centre is the primary hub. It operates a comprehensive, highly LGBTQ+-competent model similar to Sandyford in Glasgow.

🏥 Finding Chalmers

Chalmers is centrally located in Edinburgh at 2A Chalmers Street, making it highly accessible for the city's queer community (often centred around Broughton Street / the Pink Triangle).

They serve the entire NHS Lothian region. Check lothiansexualhealth.scot for service updates and specific clinic times.

📅 The Appointment System

Walk-ins for routine checkups are largely a thing of the past. The system relies on triage to prioritize those with the most urgent needs.

  • Asymptomatic? Use the NHS Lothian online postal kit service.
  • Symptomatic? You must call the Chalmers triage line. Lines open early (typically 8:30 AM). Call exactly when they open to secure a triage assessment for a same-day or near-future slot.

Use the right language: When speaking to triage, be direct about your symptoms (e.g., "I have a rash on my genitals," "I need PEP"). Vague requests for "a checkup" will be directed to the postal service.

🩸 What Happens at the Clinic

Chalmers operates under the same strict confidentiality rules (the NHS Firewall) as the rest of the UK. Your GP will not be informed of your attendance without your explicit consent.

The Standard Screen

For men who have sex with men, Chalmers uses the three-site testing protocol:

  1. Urine: For urethral chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
  2. Throat Swab: For oral infections.
  3. Rectal Swab: For anal infections.

You will also have blood drawn for HIV and Syphilis (and kidney function if managing PrEP). Results are typically texted within a week if negative. If positive, they will call you to arrange treatment.

🏳️‍🌈 Community Integration

Chalmers works closely with Edinburgh's robust LGBTQ+ health networks.

  • PrEP Services: They are the primary hub for NHS PrEP initiation and monitoring in Lothian.
  • Waverley Care: Scotland's leading HIV and Hep C charity has a strong presence in Edinburgh and works closely with Chalmers patients for peer support and case work.

Related: