On August 7, Terrence Higgins Trust is opening a clinic which will test and treat university students in Leeds for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  The clinic will run from 4-7pm on Mondays at the Terrence Higgins Trust offices, 2 Oxford Place.

The service will offer testing for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.  Results of some of the tests are rapid and students should be able to get them within the hour rather than having to wait a few days.

Antibiotics for gonorrhoea and chlamydia will also be provided in the Terrence Higgins Trust clinic so usually there’s no need to go to the chemist with a prescription.  Those testing positive for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and syphilis, or those with a complex diagnosis will be fast-tracked to the Leeds Centre for Sexual Health for treatment.

David Greenway, Regional Manager of Terrence Higgins Trust in Yorkshire said “Our clinic is located close to both universities in Leeds and our services will be quick and convenient.  Young people are at particularly high risk of STIs so it makes sense to offer sexual health services directly to them.  Fast testing and treatment will also bring down the numbers of new infections.”

The new clinic is funded by Leeds North West Primary Care Trust and will be run in partnership with the Leeds Centre for Sexual Health.  

Rates of STI diagnoses continue to rise among 16-24 year olds and young people are disproportionately affected by chlamydia and gonorrhoea.  Terrence Higgins Trust is working on expanding the range of sexual health and support services it provides for young people.

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Notes to editors

• David Greenway, Manager of Terrence Higgins Trust in Leeds and Jackie Redding, Associate Director of Terrence Higgins Trust are happy to do interviews regarding the new service.  If you are interested in speaking to David or Jackie, please contact the press office on the number above.
• The tests will be available to students under the age of 25.
• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services for over 50,000 people a year.  The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual health.