Provided By: Liverpool Community Health
Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust’s Armistead Centre and the HIV Community Nursing Team are launching a new HIV Rapid Testing Service.
The new HIV test will involve a simple finger prick test which is quicker, more convenient, and will mean that patients will be able to receive their test result within 20 minutes of the finger prick test.
Previously the HIV community nurses have only been able to offer HIV testing by taking a blood sample from the arm and meant that results could often take up to a week to receive.
Martin Fenerty, Service Manager for the Armistead Centre, explained: “We’re delighted to be able to introduce this new, improved HIV testing system which will make HIV testing easier, more convenient, and more flexible for our service users to access in the future. Not only will more of our team of health professionals be able to provide the new testing service, but test results will also be available on the same day.”
The service is keen to encourage anyone who is, or has been sexually active and feels they may be at risk of having contracted the virus to get tested, in order to improve early diagnosis rates, treatment access and reduce the risk of passing the virus onto others.
On Friday July 24, health professionals and 3 individuals who are living with HIV will form an expert panel on the Roger Philips Show from 12.00-13.00 on BBC Radio Merseyside. The panel will discuss HIV testing, personal stories and as part of the phone in, they will also be taking questions from members of the public.
As part of the launch, HIV Testing sessions will take place at the following times and venues:
• Monday July 27 – St Bride’s Church, Percy Street L8 7LT (12.00-15.00, Rapid Testing NOT available)
• Monday August 3 – Health Information Centre (The Beat), Hanover Street (12.00-15.00, Rapid Testing available)
• Tuesday August 4 – Health Information Centre(The Beat), Hanover Street (12.00-15.00, Rapid Testing available)
Around 550 people are currently living with diagnosed HIV in Liverpool. However, statistics also show that as many as 1 in 4 people infected with HIV are unaware they have it, meaning they are putting their own long-term health at risk, as well as continuing to risk transmitting HIV onto others.
Robert Downes, Specialist HIV Nurse, added: “Contrary to common belief, two thirds of those diagnosed with HIV are in long-term relationships, and here in Liverpool, we know that HIV is almost as prevalent within the heterosexual community as amongst LGBT groups”.
“Because of this, we do want to highlight that HIV is behaviour related rather than lifestyle related and want to reiterate that anyone who thinks they may be at risk of having undiagnosed HIV gets tested as soon as possible.
“We also want to reassure anyone who is feeling concerned about having the test or fearful of the results, to do so because it’s never been easier. The quicker you get tested and know your HIV status, the sooner you can start to take control of your life and receive treatment, if that is what is needed.”
Thanks to advancements in HIV treatment and care in recent years, an HIV diagnosis is no longer considered a terminal condition, and the vast majority of people who are living with HIV enjoy healthy lives.
If anyone would like to take a HIV test or has a general concern about their sexual health, you should contact the Armistead helpline on 0151 247 6561, the HIV Community Nurses on 0151 295 8650 or attend one of the HIV Rapid testing drop-in sessions every Wednesday afternoon from 14:00-15:30.
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