To make testing quick and easy during HIV week, sexual health and HIV centres managed by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust will offer clinics open longer and later.
Between November 22-20, clinicians at the Mortimer Market Centre and the Archway Centre will be on hand for extra lunchtime, evening and weekend walk-in clinics for anyone wanting to take a test. A number of outreach events across London are also planned throughout the week.
The centres are particularly appealing to the two groups who are hardest hit by HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM) and black and minority ethnic communities (BME).
Klaus Johansen, MSM Outreach and GUM Specialist Nurse at the Mortimer Market Centre said: “People might put off having the test for a number of reasons, but this week it is even easier to get it done. We can help people to either put their mind at ease or, with early diagnosis and good care, we can help people continue to live long and healthy lives.”
Advancements in testing and treatment over the last 15 years have meant that the lives of people who are living with HIV have improved dramatically. Nonetheless, knowing your HIV status is important particularly as it can help prevent onward transmission to others.
Those requiring a test are invited to drop in to one of the clinics listed below for a rapid HIV test that can provide a result in under an hour, or on Monday and Thursday take home a saliva testing kit which can be returned in the post.
Events planned in the London borough of Camden next week include:
• Saturday November 23, 11.00-14.00, Archway Centre, 681 – 689 Holloway Road, London N19 5SE: Sexual health and contraceptive advice, HIV/STI tests, workshops and focus groups primarily aimed at black and minority ethnic communities.
• Monday November 25, 11.00-13.00, 86 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DN: In partnership with Antidote, the LGBT drug and alcohol charity, offering HIV home sampling saliva testing kits and sexual health advice.
• Wednesday November 27, 12.00-14.00, University of London Union (ULU) car park, Byng Place, WC1E 7LE: In partnership with 56 Dean Street, HIV tests will be offered from an outreach health bus primarily aimed at LGBT and BME university staff and students .
• Thursday November 28, 18.00-20.30, 32a Wardour Street, London W1D 6AQ: In partnership with Antidote, the LGBT drug and alcohol charity, offering HIV home sampling saliva testing kits and sexual health advice.
• Friday November 29, 17.00-19.00, Archway Centre, 681 – 689 Holloway Road, London N19 5SE and Mortimer Market Centre, off Tottenham Court Road, London WC1E 6JB: Open for men who have sex with men (MSM) for rapid HIV testing.
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