Following the submission of the idea ‘HIV – Testing, Testing, Testing’ and it’s subsequent approval at Senedd earlier this year, we’ve been provided with an update from Hywel Dda in relation to HIV diagnostics and support in the local area.
Hywel Dda have confirmed that students can access HIV testing from existing sexual health service by Padarn, where full counselling and support is offered.
The turn-around time for the test results is now down to 5 days, and support is provided during this period. Positive results are given with full counselling, and the individual is referred on to Swansea which offers HIV related care. Residents of Hywel Dda with a positive HIV test are then supported by the Blood Borne Virus (BBV) service based at Bronglais in Aberystwyth.
An individual could request a test from their GP if they prefer, however most GPs refer patients to the sexual health service so that the additional support can be provided.
For urgent support following exposure, access to emergency treatment (PEP) is either via A&E or from the sexual health service in hours. PrEP which is a pill that can be taken to protect individuals from HIV is also available from the Sexual Health Service.
As well as having received the above information, the Wellbeing Officer is also currently working on investing in some private testing kits that could be made available from the Students’ Union.