Farnborough’s Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) is offering all patients aged 18 to 75 requiring a blood test in the emergency department a HIV test from November 24 to 28.

Patients have the choice to opt out of the test, which is being offered as part of national HIV Testing Week.

The Bromley borough has a higher rate of HIV diagnosis than the national average with 2.5 testing positive in every thousand people, compared to 1.5 per thousand nationally.

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill backed the campaign to improve access to HIV testing.

Mr Neill said: It is encouraging to hear of this beneficial initiative from the PRUH that will raise awareness of HIV screening in our community.”

Doctor Sam Thenabadu, adult and paediatric emergency medicine consultant, said: “The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can be started to keep people healthy.

“Finding out late can result in other serious medical problems as HIV has already begun to damage health, and there is also a risk of infecting others.”

Anyone else who would like to be tested for HIV can contact Beckenham Beacon sexual health clinic on 01689 866622.