A new rapid HIV testing programme has been launched at Whipps Cross University Hospital in response to figures which reveal infection rates in Waltham Forest are five times higher than the national average.

Five people out of every 1,000 in Waltham Forest are thought to be HIV positive and Whipps Cross outpatients, as well as members of the public, are now being offered the HIV test through a drop-in service.

Whipps Cross Sexual Health Consultant Monica Lascar said: “What’s interesting and what’s changing is that the number of people who’ve acquired the infection in the UK is increasing, as opposed to those acquiring it abroad.

“Now 50 per cent of people acquire the infection in the UK.”

A new testing programme at Whipps Cross, which began on Tuesday, specifically aims to tackle the high rates of late diagnosis in the community.

Patients will have a choice of a routine blood test or a rapid HIV test using a mouth swab, with results available within 20 minutes.

Ms Lascar said: “We are delighted to be able to offer a confidential, rapid HIV testing service located in our main outpatients with no appointment necessary.

“We are hoping the increased availability of HIV testing will result in earlier HIV diagnosis and timely treatment.

“It is important to stress that nobody is obliged to take the test, but it is available should they wish to do so.”

There are 18 boroughs in London that also have a higher than average proportion of HIV positive people.

In 2011, an estimated 96,000 people were living with HIV in the UK. Of these, around a quarter were unaware of their HIV infection.

Whipps Cross Outpatients Consultant Surgeon Mike Papesch said: “Late diagnosis can result in shorter life expectancy and an increased risk of transmission to sexual partners.

“The risk of transmission to others can be reduced by 97 per cent by undergoing treatment for HIV.”

The HIV testing walk in service will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the outpatient department at Whipps Cross Hospital.