Dean Street Express Testing Alternatives

Sexual health services are at breaking point throughout the UK, and no more so than in the city of London. As a result of clinic closures across the capital, the Dean Street Express GUM clinic in Soho is turning away around 1,200 patients every single day. Early detection and intervention are crucial in combatting sexually transmitted infections and at Better2Know, the UK’s largest provider of private STI and HIV testing services, we can get you a confidential appointment in London on the very same day that you make your booking.

What is happening?

A statement on Dean Street’s website refers to the ‘massive oversubscription’, with the clinic’s patient reviews reflecting the notion that ‘more needs to be done to increase capacity’. But how has it reached this point?

Across the UK, sexual health related clinic visits have risen by 25% in the last five years alone. In that same period, local government funding has been slashed by almost 10%, with council leaders warning of a ‘tipping point’ in sexual health services.

How many people are visiting sexual health clinics?

There were almost 2.5 million new attendances at STI clinics in the year 2016, compared to just 1.94 million in 2012. Whilst it is certainly positive to see so many people taking control of their sexual health, these figures, around 208,000 people per month, are placing council resources under significant strain.

A freedom of information request by the BMJ revealed that, of the 152 commissioning local authorities, only 33 had not experienced any spending reductions in the last three years, with one council cutting their funding by an alarming 23%.

The unfortunate result is longer waiting times, lower levels of care, and a reversal of the progress that has been made in recent years.

Can I get tested with Better2Know?

At Better2Know, our expert staff can access same day appointments at locations across London, including: Canary Wharf, Euston Station, Harley Street, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Victoria, the city centre and many more.

Simply phone up, book your test, and walk in to one of our many sexual health clinics in the capital. To locate your nearest private facility, select the Find Clinics tab at the top of the page or call our team today to find out more.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your confidential appointment in London will be with a qualified nurse or clinician, who will take your samples and answer your questions. Once collected, samples are sent to our CPA accredited laboratory for swift and efficient analysis.

In the case of our leading Wimpole Street clinic, all pathology is performed in the same building. Results take between one and five working days from the receipt of your sample by the laboratory, depending on the test or screen you select.

However, when testing at our Wimpole Street facility, we can return your results quicker than anywhere else in the country. Situated in the heart of London, our conveniently located Wimpole Street clinic is open six days a week, including 12-hour availability from Monday to Friday.

How will I get my results?

With Better2Know, you can access your results online at any time by logging into the secure patient area on our website. Unless you specify otherwise, you will also be contacted by a member of our sexual health advisory team once all your results are ready to report.

Better2Know also offers Instant tests and screens at selected locations across London. With this popular testing option, we provide rapid results for six harmful STIs, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

You will receive your highly accurate and confidential results in under half an hour, whilst you wait inside the clinic. Remember, STI testing is the only way to be certain of your sexual health status; so stay safe and get tested – it is always Better2Know.

Book your STI test today

Call us today on the number provided to arrange a same day appointment in the city of London. Alternatively, you can book online at any time by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.