Hi everybody
I hope I’m not going to get abuse here but I thought I’d let people know of a fantastic service that offers free testing. I’m not trying to patronise anybody or tell anybody what they should or shouldn’t do. This is solely to assist other people.
So, the story goes that as a couple we’ve been playing for a few years. In that time we have found it nigh on impossible to get in for health check ups at a local clinic. Whilst we were certain all was OK we thought it better to check. So, we tried ringing countless numbers in the North West of England. When we did manage to speak with people at the clinics the story was the same... either pre booked appointments or (for the walk in clinics) simply turn up at 9am and wait in a queue with loads of other people. This proved very difficult for a long time until a few weeks ago when we heard an advert on the radio saying it was HIV Health awareness week. We decided to use that ‘nudge’ and were determined to once and for all go and get checked (even though we had no symptoms or any concerns). So, we took the day off work, which we realise that not everybody can find the time to do and called in at The Clinic at Hathersage Rd in Manchester. It was absolutely packed! So packed that the receptionist told us “If you don’t want to wait you can order a free test kit and do the tests at home and send them off”. She then handed us a piece of paper with a web address on.
So, we visited the website and input our details to order a free home test kit. Would you believe that the kit arrived the very next day (in plain packaging)? So, we carried out the EASY procedures (Blood, Urine, Swab) and sent our samples back in the plain (postage paid) packaging. One week later we received our results back by text & post ... negative. (HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrohea)
So, why have we bothered to write this here? Because, we understand that it is very difficult for people to find the time in the daytime to visit these clinics. Indeed amongst other problems the one in Manchester is a nightmare to get to. We also understand some people may possibly be embarrassed to go to the clinics. Some don’t even have a clinic nearby. There are many good reasons why people genuinely can’t find the time to go to a test clinic.
So, QUESTION TO SITE ADMIN / SITE MODERATORS...
Is it acceptable for us to post the url in this forum?
This post is simply to help others out. There’s nothing in this for us. We just thought that this may benefit some other Fabbers.
Not sure if this free testing is only in North of England or Nationwide. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It's easy, you just go to the clinic that's 10 mins away and has walk in appointments 3 times a week and wait to be seen. They'll give you a giant ear bud to stick up your fanny for a swirl and then ask if you want your bloods as well for blood carrying diseases, your hep and your hiv etc, then you get the all clear text on your phone within a week. Easy peasy. |
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But what I don't get it why, if you were able to both be off work on the same day, you didn't just fix an appointment??
Anyway, glad there are some good postal services around for those that struggle to find facilities. Worth remembering that GUM clinics you visit can also offer throat swabs, Hep B vaccines and free condoms too. You can also talk to doctors in confidence if you want advice on something.
I am lucky, I have a great local semi-rural clinic, and I just make an appointment, never have to wait, and barely see more than one or two people in there.  |
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OP I doubt admit will make an exception to the rules around posting websites, even if it is well meant.
At least by putting your post up you are giving people some info and they can go and google it themselves.
Sadly this service isn't available in my part of the UK. |
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