Rollout of testing at A&E sites identifies hundreds of new HIV and Hepatitis cases

Over 800 people unknowingly living with HIV and Hepatitis have been found by the NHS following the rollout of routine testing at A&E sites. 

In April 2022, as revealed by the NHS, £20 million was made available over three years to implement routine HIV opt-out testing within 33 hospital Emergency Departments, in areas with the highest rates of diagnosed HIV.

The move has led to 834 identified cases of people living with HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C between April and September of this year. The opt-out programme has helped many people – who would otherwise remain unaware of their diagnosis – receive treatment and ongoing support.

Speaking to Healthwatch Lambeth, a King’s College Hospital NHS Trust spokesperson said: 

“Due to the rollout routine testing in our Emergency Department, King’s College Hospital has diagnosed over 150 people living with HIV who were unaware they had the condition. We also continue to find and engage an average of two people each month. This success wouldn’t be possible without collaborative partnerships between our HIV and Virology teams and our colleagues working in our Emergency Department, who all share a passion for improving patient outcomes and reducing inequalities within our local population.”

With two fifths (42%) of HIV diagnoses in the UK made late – causing significant damage to the immune system – early identification is vital towards preventing ill-health, premature death and onward transmission. 

You can find out more about the programme's launch here.