The New Zealand AIDS Foundation says the relocation of its's HIV testing and counselling service, The Burnett Centre, has resulted in an increase in the number of people using its services. The number of gay and bisexual men and their sexual partners accessing counselling at the centre has increased by 22%, and by 27% for HIV+ people. HIV testing appointments also increased, by just under 6%. "This is great news for all concerned and confirms that the move was necessary for us to better address the needs of those accessing the Burnett Centre services," says National manager for Positive Health services Eamonn Smythe. "The clients now have warm, comfortable, soundproofed rooms, which lends to a better counselling environment." The relocation of the Burnett Centre from Poynton Terrace in the Karangahape Road area to Hargreaves Street in Ponsonby was much debated late last year. Concerns were raised by members of the gay and positive communities that this would result in a reduction of people attending and receiving services. "The move took place in early March, and now we have data from the first six months of 2008 so that numbers can be compared to the same period last year," says Smythe. Foundation counselling/psychotherapy staffing levels and the number of counselling/psychotherapy student placements have both been increased to meet the growing need. THE BURNETT CENTRE 35 Hargreaves St, College Hill, Auckland Ph (09) 309 5560, Fax (09) 302 2338 Email: contact.burnett@nzaf.org.nz