In a bid to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV in Birmingham, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new service offering one-hour HIV testing at its joint centre with AB+ on Lower Essex Street. The service, run in partnership with Heart of England NHS Trust, launches on Monday 8th June and will run on Monday evenings from 4.00pm – 7.00pm.

The HIV ‘Fastest’ service is free and confidential, and involves taking a finger-prick blood test which is analysed straight away, with the results provided within one hour. All tests will be carried out by NHS staff. Those who attend the clinic will be given information and advice before and after the test, and anyone who tests HIV positive will be fast tracked into a treatment centre. They will also be given information on the range of services available for people living with HIV, including counselling and peer support.

Ben Watson, Centre Manager for THT in Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this service in the centre of Birmingham. Approximately one in four people with HIV don’t know they have it. We hope that by making it easier and quicker to have an HIV test, more people will come forward."

The service will also offer tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, hepatitis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. THT workers supporting the clinic will also offer information and advice on STIs and safer sex, as well as giving out free condoms.

The Fast Test service takes place at THT’s Birmingham centre at 29-31 Lower Essex Street. Each week, there are sessions on Mondays from 4.00pm – 7.00pm. The number of tests that can be done at each session are limited, so people are advised to arrive early.

For further information on the ‘Fastest’ service, please contact THT in Birmingham on (0121) 694 6440 or visit the THT website at www.tht.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk
2. Terrence Higgins Trust also runs a ‘Fastest’ service with Heart of Birmingham Teaching PCT at Aston Pride Health Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm-5.00pm.