How to find us
We are situated on Sackville Street, near the Lamproom Theatre. There is a big sign above the door which says Spectrum. The full clinic address is:
Gateway Clinic,
1 Sackville Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2RD
Our opening times are
Monday – 8.15am to 7.30pm
Tuesday – 8.15am to 7.30pm
Wednesday – 3.00pm to 8.00pm
Thursday – 8.15am to 7.30pm
Friday – 8.15am to 4.00pm
Saturday – 9.00am to 12.30pm (booked appointments only, no walk ins)
Parking
Parking is available in the multi storey car park under the building – you can access the car park from the bottom of Shamble Street. There is also a small car park opposite the clinic and one on Churchfields. However, these do get full quite quickly. For most clinic appointments we would advise that you have parking for 1 ½ hours. Please be aware that there is a charge for parking at all of these sites. On street parking is very limited.
Confidentiality
Our records are not visible to your GP or other health care professionals. We will not disclose any information you give us without your permission unless:
- We think you or someone else is in danger and the information would help to keep you / them safe
- There is a legal obligation for us to share your information
Tests from our clinic are sent to the laboratories labelled with your name whereas some sexual health clinics use a number to identify you.
Your results are usually only visible to our clinic and laboratory staff, but very occasionally health care professionals in other services may be able to see them on the results reporting system (RRS).
Healthcare staff are only allowed to look at your RRS record if they have a valid reason to do so, e.g. if they are involved in your care.
If you have any concerns about this, or want more information, please ask the clinician at the start of your consultation.
Child policy
Please do not bring children to your appointment. We have no facilities to provide care for them whilst you are being seen.
If you bring a child with you for a procedure such as an implant or coil fit, we will not be able to do your procedure unless you have brought someone to look after them.
Clinical areas are not good environments for children. They cannot be left unsupervised, and it may be distressing for them to see procedures such as blood taking and examinations.
Attending clinic with someone to support you
It is fine if you want to bring someone to clinic to support you, but please be aware that we always see people on their own at the start of the consultation. Your companion can then join you for the remainder of the consultation if you so wish.
Chaperone policy
You will be offered a chaperone for your examination. A chaperone is another member of staff who will be present to support you during your examination. For some examinations, a chaperone is required by the clinician, but for most things you will be given the choice as to whether one is present or not.
Attending late for appointments
If you are 10 minutes or more late for your appointment you may not be seen. The relevant clinician will be asked if they are able to see you, but this may not be possible in which case you will be asked to reschedule.
Holding urine
You may be asked for a urine sample in clinic.
For men, it is best not to pass urine in the 4 hours before your clinic appointment, although we can still do some tests if you have.
For women, we just need your bladder to be full enough to provide a sample.
Test Results
Test results can take up to 2 weeks. We usually send out separate texts about blood test results and swab/urine results. If you don’t get a text you can phone for your results, but please wait until at least 2 weeks after your appointment before ringing us.
Cancelling your appointment
Just before your appointment we do send out a link so you can cancel by text, but if you know you won’t be able to attend, we would be very grateful if you could give us as much notice as possible. Please ring on 0800 055 6442
Miscellaneous
There are no food or drink machines in the clinic, except for a water fountain. There is a shop next door.
Phone lines are usually busy first thing in the morning, so if you need more information, it may be easier to ring in the afternoon.
Please be aware that we usually have several different clinics running at the same time. This can make it feel like some people are being prioritised, but people will be seen in turn for the clinic they are attending.