WISHES (Woman Inclusive Sexual Health Extended Service)
WISHES is an accessible, non-judgemental and holistic service for women with high and complex sexual health needs. It is a sexual health service with partner agencies providing support with housing, benefits, education, training, self-esteem, substance use, homelessness etc.
Those aged under 18 are better directed to Lothian’s sexual health services for young people.
Clinics are held at the following times:
- Wednesdays – 1.30 – 4pm at Chalmers Centre, 2a Chalmers Street, EH3 9ES
- Thursdays – 2-4.30pm at Spittal Street Centre, 22-24 Lady Lawson Street EH3 9DU
- Thursdays – 5-7.30pm at Spittal Street Centre, 22-24 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DU – WOMEN ONLY
Women requiring support with attendance can contact staff from ‘Another Way’ – 07516384340 and see: SACRO – Another Way
The service also provides outreach – please email loth.wishes@nhs.scot
Patients are welcome to contact staff for information about the service, more generally, using this email, but not receive results by this route.
Who to refer:
All women who have been affected by homelessness, substance or alcohol misuse, involvement with criminal justice and/or prostitution, refugees or others who have complex health needs and would benefit from an inclusion health approach to their care.
Who not to refer:
Men
How to refer:
No formal referral is required. The service is drop-in but appointments can be arranged by patients or staff via the WISHES mobile (number below).
For the outreach service, please email wishes@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk if this would be useful, and this can be accessed by health professionals and the public.
Contact details
Patients are welcome to contact staff for information about the service (except for results):
Email: loth.wishes@nhs.scot
Mobile phone: 07769887112
Professional advice: Alison.m.scott@nhs.scot or nicola.smithson@nhs.scot
Women requiring support with attendance can contact staff from ‘Another Way’ – 07516384340
Women requiring support with attendance can contact staff from ‘Another Way’ – 07516384340 and see: SACRO – Another Way
Chalmers website: http://www.lothiansexualhealth.scot.nhs.uk/Services/SpittalStreetWomensClinic/Pages/default.aspx
Another Way project: www.sacro.org.uk– which gives non-judgemental support to any woman over 18, who is at risk of or involved in sex work.
