"I was treated as a real person, with politeness and respect"

This is part one one of what I hope will be a two part story. Through my own stupidity I think I have contracted an STI. This was probably 2 years ago. it has taken me that long to realise that I really should do something about it.

I have always thought that as a 55 yo male, the staff at one of these clinics would fall about laughing. Nothing could be further than the truth. In a mad moment I booked an appointment with 48 hrs notice and yesterday I turned up fearing the worst.

From the moment I walked through the doors to the clinic, I was treated as a real person, with politeness, and respect and most importantly in a friendly way. In today speak it was a very customer focused service. The reality was all my worries had gone away with a couple of minutes. Oh why hadn't I done this a long while ago.

Within 5 mins a very simple and confidential form has been completed and some 10 minutes later I am shown to a consulting room. There an equally friendly nurse takes further and yes intimate notes. Do not be embarrassed, Then a quick blood test and urine test is taken. That is all there was to it.

I was not showing any symptoms so a doctors appointment is not required. The tests have been done. I now have the 14 day wait for a text message. I felt it was important to one, thank the staff for totally dispelling all my fears about attending, and secondly, whatever the result, I am confident of the best possible advice and treatment.

Thank you