THEGAYUK

Day: 15 August 2019

  • Almost a quarter of gay and bi men unable to get access to PrEP via the NHS

    New data shows that nearly a quarter of gay and bisexual men who tried to access PrEP via the NHS IMPACT trial were unable to in the past year.

    PrEP pills
    (C) marcbruxel Depositphotos

    Data from AIDSMAP shows that 22 per cent of people who tried to access PrEP via the IMPACT trial were unable to secure the HIV prevention medication in the last year. Those who live outside London were more likely to fail in their attempt to access the drug.

    The AIDSMAP statement stated that the importance of access to PrEP was underscored by the fact that 82 per cent of those who tried to access had condomless sex within a six month period.

    The survey was answered by 2389 people during six weeks between 17 May and 1 July 2019. It was conducted by Public Health England in collaboration with PrEPster and iwantPrEPnow.

    Of those who answered the survey, 92 per cent identified as gay, 6 per cent bisexual and 2 per cent who ID’d as non-binary or transgender. 86 per cent of those who answered ID’d as white 14 per cent ID’d as BAME.

    Marc Thompson, Health Improvement Lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said, “PrEP is a key tool in the fight against ending HIV transmissions. These new findings demonstrate that PrEP isn’t just stopping HIV it is having an overwhelming positive impact on people’s lives. That’s so important to remember as there remains far too many people unable to access this HIV game-changer.

    “The impact of not increasing places on the trial has been laid bare in this survey, with nearly one in five people who want to access PrEP unable to do so. While nearly a quarter of people who had been purchasing PrEP privately having to stop due to being unable to pay for the anti-HIV drug. People should not be forced to make a decision that ultimately increases their risk of HIV. That’s why there must be increased places on the trial and immediate action towards providing routine access to PrEP.

    “It is concerning that only half of people who have purchased PrEP privately have undergone the necessary kidney function tests before or while taking PrEP. Despite the side affects of taking PrEP being minimal for many users, it’s vital anyone wanting to or currently taking PrEP has the relevant screenings. This puts even greater urgency on our calls for PrEP to be embedded in routine HIV prevention services.”

    What is PrEP?

    CREDIT: © garyphoto Depositphotos

    Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, it is a drug treatment protocol using a prescription medicine called Truvada and has been shown in a recent trial to be highly effective in preventing HIV in gay and bisexual men, when taken daily and used in combination with other infection prevention measures.

    Truvada contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) and is already routinely used in combination with other medicines to treat existing HIV infection.

     

     

  • Hotel Review | Roslin Beach Hotel

    Hotel Review | Roslin Beach Hotel

    by Jamie Tabberer

    With 62 rooms and suites, the Roslin Beach Hotel in Essex’s Southend-on-Sea, or Southend, is one of only a small handful of first-class hotels in this enduringly charming seaside town of 182,000. Its competitors, meanwhile, tend to fall into one of two camps: the retro/in dire need of a facelift, and those belonging to soulless budget chains. The Roslin, then, is something of an anomaly.

    Decor and style

    First up, its smart, impeccably whitewashed exterior and excellent location are instant selling points. An agreeably light, bright interior – full of wedding-ready whites and creams, plush textures and subtly luxurious touches, like mini chandeliers in the dining room – are crowd-pleasing but gentle. In fact, my only gripe with its appearance was an overabundance of artificial flowers, particularly in the reception area. They were convincing (I was initially delighted when I saw them) but I’d still prefer, if natural, a third as many flowers…

    We later discovered our room (which did feature a lovely natural flower arrangement) was similarly simple, tasteful and comfortable, with soft greens added the the colour palette, and curtains and furniture featuring soft, soothing patterns.

    The spick and span bathroom, complete with Elemis toiletries (in my opinion, among the best out there), was lovely. But my favourite aspect of the room was the small balcony looking out to sea; my guest and I arrived just an time for an impromptu sunset photoshoot. The room and the sky were with both wonderfully photogenic.

    Food and restaurants

    The on-site restaurant, boasting AA two Rosettes, also boasted an excellent view. The food, although expensive, was absolutely spectacular.

    To start, delightfully arranged seared yellowfin tuna. The sections were bite-sized but big enough for the delicious contrast in taste, colour and texture between the burnt char and the fleshy middle. The pan roasted trout that followed was crisp, impossibly fresh, and quite substantial, accompanied by a rich smoked mussel butter. Dessert – a double chocolate sphere with milk ice cream, melted by the addition of hot chocolate sauce in front of you by your waiter – was full-flavoured and theatrical. Afternoon Tea looked to be the same, and was demonstrably popular with locals and families celebrating birthdays, engagements and more.

    Hotel location

    This sea-view property enjoys a prominent position on the Thorpe Esplanade – a great spot for jogging. Southend Central train station can be reached in 11 minutes by taxi, while London Southend Airport – the capital’s newest and smallest airport, with a single runway – can be reached in 12 minutes. From here you can fly to many European countries, including blockbuster destinations in Spain, Italy and of course the UK.

    Southend itself overlooks the Thames Estuary (where the River Thames meets the North Sea). A mini break destination historically popular with East Enders, it can be reached from London Liverpool Street in under an hour by train, or under 90 minutes by car.

    During our weekend visit at the beginning of summer the town centre was remarkably quiet. While enduringly charming – the retro thrills, spills and lights of Adventure Island are magnetic – you get the sense Southend isn’t the tourist hotspot it was in years past. But there are still reasons to visit the town. Not least Southend Pier Museum, still the world’s longest pier. Measuring 2.158km, it’s an instantly bewildering sight, like the lone skyscraper of a city skyline.

    Southend gay scene

    Southend’s gay scene is quiet – there weren’t an abundance of guys on the usual apps. Albeit The Cliff gay pub, with the eye-catching rainbow night lighting of its exterior, is a local institution and has regular drag karaoke and themed nights. At the hotel itself, the staff were seemingly made aware of my sexuality and across the board went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable and welcome.

    For more information about the Roslin Beach Hotel, visit roslinhotel.com.