Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Click here if you would like to contact an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to support your visit

We encourage regular STI, HIV, and hepatitis testing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We offer:

free and confidential testing
vaccination (hepatitis A, hepatitis B)
management of STIs and HIV
free condoms
counselling

We offer assessment and treatment for hepatitis B and C.

You can request to see a clinician of a certain gender. We can also connect you to Aboriginal Sexual Health Workers or dedicated Aboriginal Health Services.

Time to Test

If you think you might have been at risk for an STI or HIV please complete our Time To Test? online risk assessment.

This will help us work out if we are the best place to meet your needs. we’ll ask you a few questions about your recent sexual activity and at the end we’ll tell you what to do next.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours you may contact us to discuss your options. If it is outside of our business hours call the PEP hotline on 1800 737 669.

Time to test?

General Clinic

We provide you with testing, treatment and management of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV.

Check the opening hours on our website.

Please book an appointment with us by calling (02) 9382 7440.

MyCheck

We have a fast, easy and convenient new testing option available – MyCheck!
Test at a pathology service near you without needing to attend the clinic.

To use MyCheck you must:
• Be over 18 years of age
• Be an existing SSHC client (have a patient ID number)
• Have NO symptoms

SSHC will manage all your results and provide treatment if needed.

Call (02) 9382 7440 and ask for MyCheck.

Xpress

In a hurry and want a quick STI test? Xpress clinic is quicker than the general clinic because you won’t get a physical examination – especially convenient for people who have to test frequently.

You can only use Xpress if you do not have symptoms. You must be able to read and understand English well to attend Xpress clinic.

Before you make an appointment, check if you are eligible using our Time To Test? online risk assessment tool. This will help us work out if we are the best place to meet your needs. We’ll ask you a few questions about your recent sexual activity and at the end, we’ll tell you what to do next.

Counselling

Our Counselling Unit provides counselling services to individuals for sexual health related concerns such as:

Helping you change behaviours that can put you at risk of getting HIV or an STI
Coping with a diagnosis of HIV or an STI
Negotiating sexual relationships with partners
Helping you to contact sexual partners if you are diagnosed with HIV or an STI (contact tracing).
If your concerns do not fit with the services offered by us, we will be happy to help you find a more appropriate service.

Call us on 9382 7440 if you would like to make an appointment with a counsellor or call NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

This is not a crisis service.

If you are in crisis please call Lifeline (11 13 14), Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) or 000

General Practice (GP) or other testing options

Most STI and HIV testing in NSW is conducted through GPs. It’s a good idea for everyone who is sexually active to get a regular check-up. We recommend you see a GP for this.

Click here for a referral letter you can take to your GP. Or explore other testing options.

If you want help in finding a local doctor or you would like further information, talk to sexual health nurse at the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

Dried Blood Spot Testing (DBS)

A DBS test is a free, easy and accurate way to test for HIV and/or hepatitis C without having to come into the clinic.

The DBS test works by putting a few drops of blood from your finger on a test card and leaving to dry.

Check out the DBS website for detailed instructions and information on how to order.

DBS Website

FAQS

Have questions about being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? No worries, we’ve got answers!

I feel nervous about visiting

We have an Aboriginal liaison officer who can help support your visit. https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/directory/aboriginal-health-unit/aboriginal-hospital-liaison-officers

There is no shame in looking after your sexual health!

Will anybody know I visited you?

No. We will not share that information with anybody. We treat your personal information with strict privacy. However, our staff may discuss your treatment and care with each other to give you the best service. The only exception where we may inform others that you visited us is if we have concerns for your safety, or the safety of others. We may also share your health information with other healthcare providers if you give us permission to do so, or have signed up to the My Health Record.

Men’s Business and Women’s Business

You may choose the gender of the doctor or nurse you will see. If this is important for you, please let us know when you book the appointment.

I’m a heterosexual, can I come to see you?

Yes, we see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people no matter how you identify your sexuality. If you have a sexual health concern you can come and see us.

I’m a brother boy/sister girl, are you the right service for me?

Yes, we are welcoming of trans and gender diverse people to look after your sexual health. If you need other support we can help make appropriate referrals.