Two Enfield councillors have highlighted how “quick and easy” it is to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Last week was National HIV Testing Week and, to mark the occasion, Conservative councillors Ruby Sampson and Chris Joannides booked themselves in for a pre-booked test at Town Clinic in Enfield Town.
As well as the clinic, staff performed instant HIV finger-prick tests from a stall at Enfield Market and outside Enfield Civic Centre.
The free tests at the clinic included checks for other STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea.
Cllr Joannides told the Dispatch: “I found the service very professional and being tested was quick and easy – and painless.”
The market stall also offered people free condoms and advice about other contraceptive methods.
Cllr Sampson said: “We have taken a HIV test as councillors to show that we’re not ashamed to get tested for HIV, it’s easy to do and only took five minutes out of our day.
“We should all get tested and find out our HIV status. Everyone has sexual health and everyone should get tested.”
Town Clinic in Burleigh Way recently came under threat of closure as Enfield Council looked to save money on sexual health spending, but after a backlash was able to renegotiate its contract with North Middlesex Hospital to be able to continue funding the Enfield Clinics Health Organisation (Echo) which runs the clinic, as well as similar service at White Lodge Medical Practice in Chase Side.
Cllr Sampson had led Tory opposition to the previously proposed closure and said: “We were tested at the recently saved Town Clinic. Here, we benefited from the staff’s unparalleled level of expertise, care and experience to ensure testing was done correctly and covered all STDs and all infections. Enfield residents will continue to benefit from having a sexual clinic on their door step.
“Thank you to the nurses at the clinic and the staff at the Enfield mobile testing van who have played a vital role in national HIV Testing Week. Early testing can save lives.”
Tracey Archibald, a support worker with Echo, added: “We are promoting our services and signposting people to our clinics.
“You should get tested whenever you are with a new partner, and it is also good to do it if you have never done it before, for peace of mind.”
Source: Enfield Dispatch