New testing clinics to launch in the Lothians and Forth Valley

Later this month, we will be bringing our HIV and syphilis testing service, Checkpoint, to more communities than ever before.

For the first time, the service will add regular clinics across the Lothians and Forth Valley, alongside the existing service at Crew in the heart of Edinburgh. 

The new clinics, in Tranent, Livingston and Stirling, will offer access to rapid HIV and syphilis testing, free condoms and sexual health support. We’re also working to identify venues in Midlothian to widen access even further. 

The Scottish Government has set a target to end all new HIV transmissions by 2030, and promoting regular testing has a big part to play in achieving this. However, with many people finding it difficult to access centralised NHS sexual health services, particularly outside of our cities, community-based services offer a convenient and accessible alternative. 

The clinics will be delivered by our SX project, a dedicated health and wellbeing service for gay, bisexual, and all men who have sex with men. However, testing will be available for anyone who wants to know their status, regardless of gender or sexuality.  

The first round of new clinics will take place on the following dates: 

• 8 September, Crew  
• 21 September, West Lothian College 
• 22 September, Crew 
• 29 September, Raploch Community Campus 
• 4 October, Meadowmill Sports Centre 
• 6 October, Crew 

For more information, visit Testing Options at Waverley Care or contact us.

Did you Know: The symptoms associated with a new HIV infection can be mild and easy to miss, so getting a test is the only way to know your status for certain.

Here are our Top 3 Reasons to Test: 

• Accessing treatment – A person diagnosed with HIV can access highly effective treatments that can let them live a long, healthy life.  
• Preventing HIV – Knowing your HIV status means you can make informed decisions about preventing new HIV transmissions, whether that is using condoms, accessing PrEP, or being on effective treatment.  
• Reducing undiagnosed HIV – There are an estimated 500 people in Scotland today living with undiagnosed HIV. Without testing, people with undiagnosed HIV face poorer health outcomes, and could also potentially be passing on HIV to others without knowing it.