PEOPLE in Hillingdon can now get free and confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at home.

This year, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust was chosen as lead provider in a new five-year contract to deliver sexual health services across the borough.

As part of the service, the trust is working in partnership with SH:24, an online provider of free and confidential STI testing that can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV can all be tested by using a free kit, which is sent directly to a person’s home. The kit contains everything needed to provide samples for testing in SH:24’s lab.

Results are sent back via text within three days and, if an infection is identified, SH:24 will advise on how to get treatment and further support.

The service can also send chlamydia treatment to people who test positive.

SH:24’s new service, which started on July 1, has had 367 orders to date. Of the 13 people who were eligible to have chlamydia treatment posted to their home, 11 have taken up this offer.

The health trust is working with voluntary groupd, such as Brook, the Terrence Higgins Trust, Spectra and Naz, to provide improved prevention for groups with higher sexual health needs, including young people, gay and bisexual men and minority ethnic groups.