The Claude Nicol  and Lawson unit staff can offer pre-test guidance and advice regarding HIV testing and also support you if your HIV test is positive.

Many women with HIV attend the Lawson Unit ( attached to the CNC), where they can receive specialist medical, nursing and affiliated out-patient services.

This  includes services particularly relevant to women, such as:

1.Advice and support for women planning a future pregnancy ( including how to conceive as safely as possible if your partner's HIV status is different from yours)

2.Highly specialised care for pregnant women , to reduce the risk of your baby being infected. With proper care, the risk to your baby can be as low as less than 1% ( it would be about 30% without specialised care)

3. Advice on contraception and safer sex ( with condoms, femdoms,and lubricant freely available)

4.The opportunity to discuss difficult issues with a Health Adviser, such as wether to disclose your HIV status with friends and family, and a chance to share your feelings and anxieties.

5. Referral to other services that may be helpful to you, such as the HIV Community Team, Open Door ( a local HIV support organisation), Clinical Psychology, Migrant Helpline etc.

Useful numbers....

Open Door  605706 ( has a women / families group)

Migrant Helpline 671711

Body & Soul ( has women / families / teenage groups, based in London ) 44207 383 7678

Positively Women ( London based) 020 7713 0222

HIV and pregnancy services