HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is now making it easier for people in Birkenhead to access its rapid HIV testing clinic by extending its service. People who struggle to find time to fit in check-ups can now call to arrange an appointment outside the clinic’s usual opening hours and take the test at a time that best suits them. The usual clinic hours are on Wednesdays between 5.00pm and 8.00pm. The phone number to make an out of hours appointment is (0151) 666 9890.

This extension to the clinic’s services comes after THT launched its weekly rapid HIV testing session for those groups most at risk of HIV in their Bridge Street clinic in July last year. The rapid testing service, which is called ‘Fastest’, is free and confidential and was set up to provide an alternative testing environment for people who are unable to access services during the normal working day, or who may be dissuaded by hospitals and traditional sexual health clinics. Although specifically targeted at gay men and African communities, anyone is welcome to attend and take the test.

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people living with HIV in the North West of England. In 2010, there were 8,700 people living with HIV in the region, of whom 24% were undiagnosed. Gay men have been identified as one of the groups most at risk from HIV, representing almost half of the new infections in the North West in 2009.

Testing is done using a finger-prick blood test, with the results provided within one hour. Those who attend the clinic will be given information and support before and after the test, and anyone who tests positive will be referred immediately to a specialist clinic. THT staff will also provide free condoms, and information and advice on safer sex.

Emma Richards, Centre Manager for THT in Birkenhead, said: “We are aware that people lead busy lives and therefore may not be able to make the short window period of our weekly session. By giving people the opportunity to make an appointment at a time that is convenient to them, we hope this will encourage more local people to come and get tested.”

‘Fastest’ runs on Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at 5 Bridge Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1AS, or by appointment. For further information or to make an appointment, please call (0151) 666 9890, or email info.wirral@tht.org.uk.

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Notes to Editor

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest 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. Visit www.myhiv.org.uk, our new site for everyone living with HIV in the UK, for accredited information, self management tools, interactive web services and community forums. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, or to find out about everything that we do visit www.tht.org.uk