In a bid to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV in Gloucestershire, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new weekly clinic offering one-hour HIV testing from its centre on Pitt Street. The service, funded by NHS Gloucestershire, launches on Wednesday 3 February and will run on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

The HIV ‘Fastest’ service is free and confidential, and involves taking a saliva sample which is analysed straight away, with the results provided within one hour. All tests will be carried out by fully-trained 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.

Steve Jones, Regional Manager for THT in the South West, said: “We’re delighted to be launching Gloucester’s first community-based HIV testing clinic. In the UK, 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 for testing."

Welcoming the new service, Director of Public Health at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Shona Arora said: “NHS Gloucestershire is committed to providing people with the information and support they need to look after their sexual health.

“The new HIV rapid testing service provided by THT, will play an important role in improving early diagnosis of HIV in Gloucestershire and help make sure that people get fast access to advice and treatment.”

The clinic will offer tests for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia to young people aged 16-24. 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 centre at 3 Pitt Street, Gloucester, GL1 2BH. Each week, there are sessions on Wednesdays from 5.30pm – 7.30pm. 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 Gloucester on (01452) 223 060 or visit the THT website at www.tht.org.uk.

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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