Wolverhampton HIV and hepatitis testing expanded

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Due to increasing demand Terrence Higgins Trust has just expanded its sexual health testing services in Wolverhampton.

Tests for HIV and hepatitis are available and the public can also drop in for condoms and advice.

Testing normally takes place on a Saturday at the Terrence Higgins Trust offices in Bond Street, Wolverhampton every fortnight from 10.30am -1pm. There will now also be a Thursday evening session once a month (7.30pm until 9pm) and a Friday morning testing clinic once a month (10am – 1pm) at Heathtown Health Centre.

The aim of the 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.

The clinic is open to everyone, but is particularly targeted at gay men and African communities, where a high proportion of HIV remains undiagnosed.

Jane Morel, services manager of Terrence Higgins Trust Wolverhampton said “We’re pleased to be offering more testing services in the community. There is strong evidence that some people come forward for testing very late, sometimes when they are already ill. We hope that by making it easier to have an HIV test, more people will come forward.”

Pre and post test counselling and support will be offered to those attending the clinics and anyone who tests positive will be given full support in choosing a treatment centre. They will also be given information on the range of support services provided by Terrence Higgins Trust and other local services including counselling, information, advice and peer support.