Skip to main content
Site logo

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About Helen
  • News
  • Advice Surgeries
  • My Plan
  • In Parliament
  • Contact
Site logo

National HIV testing week

  • Tweet
Thursday, 22 November, 2018
Maidstone Hospital sexual health clinic HIV week campaigners 23-11-18
Helen Grant MP promoting the fingerprick test HIV week 23-11-18

Maidstone & The Weald MP Helen Grant last week took the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of HIV and to help de-stigmatise the screening process within public perceptions.

Visiting Maidstone Hospital's Rubin Clinic during National HIV Testing Week (17-23 November 2018) Helen met with the NHS Trust's Chief Executive, Miles Scott and Medical Director, Dr Peter Maskell. All three received the finger prick test to show how quick and painless it is.

Helen said 'The face of HIV as a chronic disease has changed enormously over the last thirty years, with medical advances that offer new treatments to improve people's health, prolong life and reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Nevertheless 1 in 8 people in the UK are unaware of their HIV status and I would urge anyone of that status to get themselves tested'.

Medical Director of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Dr Peter Maskell, says: "It was a pleasure to welcome Helen to our Rubin Clinic as we aim to end the stigma around HIV testing, with our innovative team spending a lot of time on education as well as treatment. Helen was able to take time to meet the team and even have a quick and simple finger-prick test herself to help us raise awareness of the ease and normality of being tested, even if you're in a low-risk group."

Confidential Sexual Health services for advice, tests and treatment are available to anyone in the area. For Kent residents over 16 years of age who are just looking for a check-up, a home testing kit is available to order online here. 

  • News

You may also be interested in

HIV week Maidstone Hospital

Supporting our NHS

One of my key aims is to protect and support our NHS, free for all at the point of need, and improve our vital hospital services at Maidstone and Pembury.

Helen visits a primary school in Abuja, Nigeria

Prime Minister appoints Helen Grant MP as his Special Envoy for Girls' Education

Saturday, 16 January, 2021

She will lead efforts to improve learning and get 40 million more girls into school around the world by 2025

Boosting girls’ education globally is a key priority for the UK as we take on the G7 presidency

Show only

  • Articles
  • News

Helen Grant Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About Helen Grant
Site logoPromoted by A Kennedy on behalf of H Grant, both at Suite 3, Paddock Wood Business Centre, Commercial Rd, Paddock Wood TN12 6EN
Copyright 2021 Helen Grant Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree