Terrence Higgins Trust, Newcastle Primary Care Trust and MESMAC North East are working together to launch a rapid HIV testing service in Newcastle on May the 1st. The ?Fastest? clinic is aimed at gay and bisexual men and will offer a one hour HIV testing service – results from sexual health clinics can take several days.
The aim of the ?Fastest? service is to provide an alternative testing environment for people who are not able to access services during the normal working day, or who may be put off by hospitals and traditional sexual health clinics.
Andrew Smith, Associate Director at Terrence Higgins Trust said ?This is the first time that a service in Newcastle has been able to give HIV test results within an hour. The clinic is also right in the centre of the city and operates outside normal working hours so it?s quick and convenient. We hope that by making it easier to have a test, more people will come forward.?
The clinic will be run by staff from the GUM Clinic at Newcastle General Hospital. The service will be open access rather than appointment based, and will be open every Tuesday evening between 5-7pm. Pre and post test counselling will be offered to those attending and anyone who tests positive will be given full support, including information on treatment centres and local services including counselling, information, advice and peer support.
The ?Fastest? clinic will be based at:
MESMAC North East
3rd Floor
11 Nelson Street
Newcastle
NE1 5AN
For further information on the clinic please contact THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.