A new centre to give treatment to HIV sufferers is set to open.

North Middlesex University Hospital, in Sterling Way, Edmonton, will launch its new centre today.

The Alexander Pringle centre provides diagnosis, treatment and support for around 1200 people from Haringey and Enfield.

Dr Achim Schwenk said: “We’re delighted to have this wonderful modern building for our service users. Living with HIV can be stressful, too many people still feel they are alone with this disease because of the great stigma attached wrongly to HIV.

“This new centre, with its friendly and competent staff, and with its artwork, provides a supportive environment for all people living with HIV. We’re very grateful to the artists who have contributed their inspirational work.

“It is great to see the support from our local MPs for this service. Let's make Enfield and Haringey the boroughs where we tackle the HIV problem together."

HIV is an infection that can, if untreated, develop into AIDS. One in four local people living with HIV still don't know their status and miss out on modern and safe treatment.