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Prevention Support Clinic (PSC)

The Prevention Support & Sexual Health Clinic at St Vincent’s University Hospital

What is the Prevention Support Clinic?
The Prevention Support Clinic (PSC) at St. Vincent’s University Hospital is an inclusive, sexual health service. Our primary aim is to provide safe and convenient medical, nursing and social support to all those who would need treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or clinical advice on HIV prevention, including Pre- exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The PSC is a service delivered by healthcare providers experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and STIs. The clinic will monitor for any adverse effects associated with PrEP and offer STI screening and treatment where appropriate.

It is important to note that we do not dispense PrEP at the PSC clinic, but we provide prescriptions for PrEP. There are limited spaces available and access to the clinic is by appointment only. A walk-in service is not available.

What is PrEP?
PrEP is a safe and effective medication taken by HIV-negative patients to prevent HIV acquisition. It can be used in combination with other conventional risk-reduction methods such as condoms. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is the medication that is used for PrEP. It can be taken daily or alternatively as “on-demand” dosing. PrEP may be beneficial to you if you have recently had an STI, have recently used PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis),  or are using recreational drugs (‘chems’) during sex (e.g. crystal meth, mephedrone or G).

PSC Waiting List

Unfortunately, the PSC service is currently at capacity. To join our waiting list please include the following details in your email to pscreferrals@svhg.ie

  • First Name
  • Surname
  • Date of Birth
  • Address
  • Phone Number

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to provide an estimated timeline for patients on the waiting list due to significant demand for PrEP. We appreciate this is very challenging and we are continually working with the national PrEP programme to expand access. Please understand that this email will be monitored by administrators who will not be in a position to provide medical advice.

In the meantime, please note the following important, free resources:

Appointments
Your first PrEP appointment will be for a ‘pre- clinic screening visit’. At this visit tests will be taken for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea and blood tests will be sent for HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C, Syphilis & Kidney function.

A key part of the initial consultation will be information on all forms of HIV & STI prevention, including PEP, PrEP, condoms & regular STI screening. During medical review, a decision will be made about follow- up visits which may vary depending on your assessed needs.

Please note, we will not be able to provide medical advice via our email address. Our email is monitored Monday-Friday. For clinical concerns or emergencies out of hours, please contact your local Out of hours GP or attend your local Emergency Department.

Clinic Attendance
Please note, if your email is in relation to rescheduling PrEP appointments, the service is currently fully booked and at capacity. We can only facilitate rescheduling appointments in the event of an emergency. Appointments are scheduled 3 months in advance. Please continue to use your current appointment for now. Our appointments are extremely valuable. Non-attendance without warning is not accepted at the PSC.

Drug Payment Scheme
To avail of free PrEP from community pharmacies, you will need to register with the HSE PrEP Programme using your Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) number. If you do not have a DPS, you can apply online and bring the DPS number with you to your appointment. It may take some time for your DPS number to be sent to you after completion of the form so please fill it in as early as possible before your appointment.

If you do not receive your DPS number before your clinic appointment, you can email it to us at psc@svuh.ie with your details and we will register you to the system

Queries
If you have any queries please contact us by phone or email.

Email: psc@svuh.ie.

Phone: 087 115 5273

Prevention Support Clinic (PSC)