Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister took a public HIV test at HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust’s clinic on Bond Street during a recent visit.In an attempt to encourage more local people to test for the virus, Emma was given a simple finger-prick blood test and the results were available in 15 minutes.

Emma said: “I want see the stigma removed from the testing for HIV. There is a perception that getting tested is a painful process involving a long wait for results, but this is just not the case.

“My test took just 60 seconds and I had my results back in just a few minutes. I think a lot of work was done to raise awareness around HIV 30 years ago but that is not the case now.

“The treatment for people who are HIV positive has improved massively and it’s important people know these tests are available.”

Terrence Higgins Trust’s weekly ‘Fastest’ service is free and confidential. Those who attend the clinic are given information and support before and after the test, and those who test positive are quickly referred to a specialist clinic. Terrence Higgins Trust staff also provide free condoms and information and advice on safer sex. The clinic offers the ‘Fastest’ service every Wednesday from 6pm – 8pm.

Mick Mason, Regional Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, stated: “It’s fantastic that Ms Reynolds is helping us raise awareness of our local ‘Fastest’ service. People with undiagnosed HIV are not only putting their own health at risk, they are also more likely to pass the virus on unwittingly. It’s vital we encourage more people in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area to come forward for testing.”

April 2014