Health and Wellbeing Clinic Services

The Health and Wellbeing Clinic services include clinical services for genitourinary (GU) complaints including testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Health and Wellbeing clinics are led by general medical professionals – GPs – within the community services and GU specialists at the GU clinic at Mater Dei Hospital. The service offers clients the opportunity to be guided towards the appropriate level of sexual health care upon making the appointment, depending on their complaints, and consult with GPs or GU specialists on issues related to genitourinary medicine. The clinic aims to promote the client’s overall sexual health and wellbeing by offering investigations, counselling, and health promotion interventions.

Details of the service are available in the table below:

Health and Wellbeing Clinics

Locality	Day	Time
Marsaxlokk	Tuesday	8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mellieħa	Thursday	8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Victoria, Gozo	Saturday	8:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Victoria HWB Clinic (Victoria PHC Health Centre) operates every fortnight, alternating with the consultant-led clinic in Gozo (GGH). Additional clinics run on alternating Wednesday afternoons between Mellieħa and Marsaxlokk from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Mater Dei Schedule

Hospital	Day	Time
Mater Dei Hospital	Monday – Friday	7:00 am – 4:00 pm (Important to attend before 1:00 pm)

How Does the Health and Wellbeing Clinic Work?

The Health and Wellbeing Clinic operates on an important principle of confidentiality. Every person registering with the clinic must apply with their ID number and must attend the clinic unaccompanied. Tests are conducted in full confidentiality and anonymity. The ID number will be used solely for booking your appointment but NOT for registering tests and results. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral to visit the clinic, but it is important to call for an appointment on 21 231 231, where you will be given an appointment according to the urgency identified by the healthcare professional. No appointments are required for HIV rapid tests; however, it is recommended to call before attending. One can also contact the telemedicine services, which operate 24/7 on 21 231 231 or 21 222 444.

What Happens at the Health and Wellbeing Clinic?

Upon entering the clinic, you will register at the reception, where you will be given a queuing number and directed to the waiting area. You will then be called to see a specialist. The specialist will take your sexual history, and depending on the nature of your visit, you may require a genital examination. All tests will be sent to the lab under a unique GU code which would be created for you for GU services only, this will ensure confidentiality and anonymity.

Anyone with an ID or passport can attend the Health and Wellbeing Clinic

The clinic offers the following services:

• Free diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Counselling and testing for HIV

• Treatment for other genital conditions not necessarily sexually acquired

Examined according to the patients’ presenting complaints and/or symptoms such as genital warts, lesions, or ulcers, and a testicular examination is carried out. Any discharge present is usually sampled for microscopy to determine the choice of treatment. Males are also asked for a first void urine sample to be tested for STIs. It is important that males refrain from urinating 2 hours prior to their appointment

Examined according to the patients’ presenting complaints and/or symptoms like a smear test for STIs ONLY. Any discharge present is usually sampled using swab tests analysed by microscopy to guide treatment choices

In summary, testing may include the following:
• A physical examination according to the patients’ complaints, symptoms, or discomfort.

• Swab tests of any unusual discharge (fluid) or present warts/ulcers.

• Blood samples for STIs

• Urine samples. It is important to stop passing urine 2 hours prior to the appointment