'Opt-out' HIV testing for West Country patients who come to A&E
It'll mean those who need a blood test at the BRI or Weston General will get tested unless they ask to
Last updated 14th Feb 2024
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston are introducing opt-out HIV testing to its emergency departments.
It'll mean those who need a blood test at the BRI or Weston General will get tested unless they ask not to - after a successful rollout in other A&Es across other parts of the country.
It's already helped to diagnose nearly 1,000 people with the disease over the last 18 months following the trial at accident and emergency departments in London, Brighton, Blackpool, and Manchester.
The University of Bristol has been involved in the national evaluation of this scheme.
The programme aims to test people attending A&E departments who are having a blood test, regardless of whether they have symptoms, with the aim being to reduce undiagnosed HIV infections and get more people on treatment for HIV, in line with disease elimination goals.
In Bristol alone, stats show around 6 in 10 people who are HIV positive are actually diagnosed late.
If diagnosed and treated promptly, people can live normal and healthy lives with HIV, with those on treatment who have undetectable levels not able to pass it on through sex.
The government recently announced £20 million of funding for this initiative which is expected to lead to a tripling of the number of HIV tests done in England next year and will help find some of the estimated 4,400* people living with undiagnosed HIV.
Dr. Megan Crofts, Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine and Clinical Lead for Unity Sexual Health, said: “Knowing your HIV status is as important as checking your blood pressure.
“A positive HIV test gives members of our community the opportunity to access treatment before becoming unwell, to stay healthy and prevent them from passing on the virus. The opt-out HIV testing is vital in improving public and sexual health in Bristol and Weston, and we will now begin working to implement the service.
“If anyone wants to get tested, the easiest way to get a HIV test is by accessing free testing through the post from the Unity Sexual Health website or pick up a test from a Unity vending machine. Modern treatments mean that those who test positive for HIV can lead happy and healthy lives.”