Family Planning
Please book an appointment with any of the doctors or our Nurse Practitioner Carol Furlong to discuss methods of contraception. You might consider looking at the Family Planning Association web site for detailed information regarding the various methods available.
The Pill
Contraceptive pills are initiated by all doctors and our Nurse Practitioner. Repeat pill checks and prescriptions are carried out by all doctors and Practice Nurses. How often you need to see a doctor or nurse will depend on which Pill you take and your own general health.
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
Contains oestrogen and another female hormone which varies from brand to brand. Women using this will need a blood pressure check at least once a year.
The ‘Minipill’, or Progesterone-Only Pill
Only contains one drug and doesn’t affect blood pressure in the same way as the combined Pill. Women can discuss having this available on repeat prescription as there is less need for monitoring.
The ‘Morning-After’ Pill
Within 72 hours of unprotected sex emergency contraception tablets can be prescribed by all doctors, and Sister Furlong, for free. They can also be bought from any chemist.
Between 3-5 days of unprotected sex the morning after pill will not work but a coil or IUD can be put in which will have the same effect. If you think you might need this then please consider mentioning to the receptionist so we can get you to see a doctor who can fit the coil.
IUD/IUS and Implants
Several doctors at Western Road are trained to fit the IUD, IUS and the contraceptive implant.
Dr Kate Haskell- coils (IUD and Mirena), implant insertion and removal.
Dr Ashlesha Dhairyawan-coils (IUD and Mirena), implant insertion and removal.
Dr Sylvia Bond –coils (IUD and Mirena).
Dr Yasmin Heerah- coils (IUD and Mirena).
Coil insertion and implant procedures are carried out in the Treatment Room with the assistance of a Nurse. Please contact the Practice Nurse to book these appointments.
It is important to make sure that you are not pregnant before fitting a coil or implant. Please ensure one of the following is true at the time of having the coil inserted.
- You have not had intercourse since last normal period.
- You are correctly and consistently using a reliable method of contraception.
- You are day 1-7 of the menstrual cycle.
It is useful to take a simple pain killer, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, before you come for a coil insertion as crampy pain during the procedure is a normal occurrence.
Termination of Pregnancy
If you have an unplanned pregnancy and need help and advice, please feel free to speak to a doctor or Sister Furlong.
If you wish you can contact the Marie Stopes Clinic yourself without a GP referral. Residents of Havering can ring 0345 300 8090 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Marie Stopes Clinic is private family planning organisation. In Havering the NHS has arranged for you to be able to get help from them for free. They offer confidential medical and surgical termination, contraceptive advice and provision, STI screening and treatment, as well as counselling.
Locally, there is a Marie Stopes UK Romford clinic at:-
Mawney Medical Centre,
7 St Edwards Way,
Romford, RM1 3DQ.
Tel 0345300 8090 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Sexual health
We can provide a range of services but for sexually transmitted infections we encourage people to go the sexual health clinics run locally by Queens Hospital at Queens and other clinics in the borough.
Queens sexual health clinics
Cervical screening (smear test)
Our female doctors and our nurses Sister Carol Furlong and Sister Tracy are able to perform smears.
Smear results will be posted to you directly. The Cervical Screening Programme aims to notify women of their results within 14 days although this can sometimes be longer.