GLASGOW women claim that they are facing delays in getting their contraceptive implant removed due to staff shortages.

Every woman in the UK is entitled to free contraception but many in Glasgow say they are struggling to book appointments.

Anne, 43, from Glasgow told Glasgow Live that she received her third implant after a doctor recommended it to combat painful periods.

However, when her implant expired in 2020 Anne hoped it would be a simple process of booking an appointment to have it removed - which must be done by a professional. 

Removing or attempting to remove an implant on your own can result in severe pain and bleeding as well as other complications.

Anne claims that two years on, she has not managed to make an appointment. 

Anne contacted her GP and a local authority-run sexual health clinic but was told they either did not provide the service, had no funding, or lacked trained staff due to staffing issues amid the pandemic.

“I was told I couldn't get an appointment due to covid,” she said. “I've tried to get an appointment with the Sandyford but they are always full.

“My periods have never gone back to normal. I was wondering if I was peri menopausal so need it out to see how things go.”

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According to a post in a private group Glasgow Girls Club, there are nearly 100 comments from women in the city considering going elsewhere in Scotland or going private.

But Anne said: “I wouldn't go private as the NHS should be removing these for us."

Deborah Harkness, 34, also had three implants over the years and like Anne, assumed she would be able to get the implant removed easily.

She told Glasgow Live: “I wanted all the hormones out my body and I also wanted off some other medication for other health reasons. But it took me months to get an appointment to get it removed.

“The appointment system online is a joke.

“Appointments are released in dribs and drabs, making it near impossible to get something booked.

“If there are no appointments then nothing shows and they don't give the appointments out over the phone.”

She feels that her health issues are not considered as important in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 

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A spokeswoman from NHSGreater Glasgow and Clyde said: "We would like to apologise to anyone who has found difficulty in arranging an appointment to have an Implant removed.

"Unfortunately, due to the current covid guidance we are only able to do face-to-face appointments at four of our sites – Sandyford Central, Sandyford Paisley, Sandyford Parkhead and Sandyford Clydebank.

"As a result we have had to prioritise the types of appointments that are available at these sites.

"We acknowledge that there are less appointments available for removals at the moment, however every week we open up lists that can be booked into by calling us on 0141 211 8130. We don’t hold a waiting list for these appointments.

"Our website www.sandyford.scot has all the up to date information on what services are available.

"In addition to the service at Sandyford, many GP practices offer a service for implants. Women can check with their own GP practice if this is available.

"We would like to reassure women that there is no harm if their Implant is in for a few weeks or months longer than planned. Also, if a woman has an urgent problem with pain or other symptoms, she would be prioritised and seen more quickly.

"We expect that once the restrictions ease and we are able to open up in more of our locations and increase the number of face to face appointments, there will be more removal appointments available."