The two Tory councillors visited Town Clinic in Enfield Town to show how easy it is to get tested

Conservative councillors Ruby Sampson (left) and Chris Joannides (right) outside Town Clinic after getting tested for HIV — Conservative councillors Ruby Sampson (left) and Chris Joannides (right) outside Town Clinic after getting tested

Two Enfield councillors have highlighted how “quick and easy” it is to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This week is 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 are performing instant HIV finger-prick tests from a stall at Enfield Market from 2pm-4pm today (Thursday 13th) and again outside Enfield Civic Centre tomorrow (Friday 14th).

The free tests at the clinic include 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.”

Today’s market stall is also offering 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.

At the HIV testing stall in Enfield Market are (from left) Chris Joannides, Tracey Archibald and Ruby Sampson

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 who is running today’s stall, added: “We are promoting our services and signposting people to our clinics.

“You should do get tested whenever they you a new partner, and it is also good to do it if you have never done it before, for peace of mind.”

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