LIMERICK’S GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) has introduced a rapid testing programme for HIV which takes 10 minutes in total.
Clients fill out a form of their personal details and then the test can begin. The testing itself is only slightly invasive and involves a simple finger prick. Results are available within seconds. The testing is free and can be done in the GOSHH centre in Davis street.
In the early days of testing, anyone concerned about their HIV status had to wait a week or more for a result after testing.
Ann Mason, Manager at GOSHH said, “You will walk out the door knowing that you’re HIV negative or that the test has reacted and you need a confirmation test to back it up.”
If it is reactive there will be a referral made immediately and then the GOSHH staff will ensure clients receive follow-on care, if needed, and also provide the psychosocial care people may need.
GOSHH offer a counselling service around gender, orientation, sexual health and HIV. Anyone concerned about HIV can drop into the centre to arrange an appointment. The test is free but donations are accepted.
