Same-day HIV testing offered at Brighton Station Health Centre

Company news

Dec 01, 2014

Brighton Station Health Centre is marking World AIDS Day today by encouraging visitors to take advantage of an HIV test which offers an instant result.

Extra sexual health staff will be on duty at the health centre on Queen’s Road who, with the help of the Terrence Higgins Trust, will use the day to promote the importance of HIV testing.

Dr Rageni Sangha, Lead GP for sexual health at the centre, said: “Anyone visiting the centre today, whether at the sexual health clinic, the walk-in centre or the registered GP practice, can take advantage of the INSTI HIV rapid test. It’s a pin-prick blood test which gives an immediate indicative response. If this is positive, further blood tests will be carried out.

“Brighton has the second highest prevalence of HIV outside of London. Early detection of HIV is critical as there is strong evidence that early intervention will improve health outcomes. Treatment has advanced significantly during the past 15 years so I would encourage people to have a test.

“Our centre is the only one in Brighton able to offer extended hours for HIV testing. We are open 8am-7pm, seven days a week. Also, because the centre offers three different services, visitors wanting an HIV test can enjoy anonymity while sitting in the waiting area.”

Leaflets and posters will be prominent at the centre today, offering advice and information on HIV and the importance of testing.

The centre, which opened five years ago, is run on behalf of the local NHS by independent sector health and social care provider Care UK. It has nearly 6,000 registered patients and, during the past five years, has seen 95,000 patients through the walk-in centre and a further 35,000 through the sexual health clinic.