HIV Testing Week drop in clinics

Staff at Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust's Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic will be supporting National HIV Testing Week next week, by holding drop in clinics between 08.00 and 16.00, from Monday 23 to Friday 27 November, which will offer members of the public a free HIV test, which produces results within 20 minutes.

National HIV Testing Week raises awareness of the importance of HIV testing, as well as increasing opportunities to test. It aims to reduce the number of people who are diagnosed late with HIV, as early diagnosis helps people to manage their HIV and also reduces the risk of passing it on to other people.

Dr Nadia Khatib, Consultant in GU Medicine, said: “There are over 110,000 people living with HIV in the UK, but approximately 25,000 don't know that they're infected. Those who don't know that they're infected are not accessing life-saving medication, which also prevents the onward transmission of HIV.

“The earlier a person is diagnosed, the sooner they can start effective medication and the better their chances are of living a long and healthy life. This is why we are supporting National HIV Testing Week this November, by offering free 20 minute HIV tests. Please do come in and have a chat with one of our team, who will carry out the test for you and give you the results there and then.”

If you would like to find out more, please visit www.yourship.uk