Thousands tested for HIV and hepatitis in Bristol

Thousands of people attending A&E departments in Bristol have been tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as part of a new scheme.

The tests are available at Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary’s emergency departments to anyone over 18 who is having blood taken.

The initiative comes from North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

More than 6,000 tests have already been completed with support and treatment offered to those with positive results.

Dr Matthew Clarke, emergency department consultant for North Bristol NHS Trust, said the team is "proud" to offer the testing.

“It is such an important step towards normalising testing and linking people to the care that they need," he said.

“HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to other health problems if left untreated, so detecting these viruses and directing people towards the correct specialists is vital,” Dr Clarke added.

HIV and hepatitis B and C can be symptomless, meaning people can live with them without knowing but with early diagnosis and treatment people with HIV can lead normal and healthy lives.

Patients being treated cannot pass HIV on through sex and treatment for all three viruses is provided free on the NHS.

Left untreated HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to serious health implications

“Routine screening for hepatitis B and C in our EDs [emergency departments] will greatly improve patients’ access to specialist care, by rapidly linking them to simple and highly effective treatment,” said Dr Fiona Gordon, a consultant for hepatology and clinical lead for the hepatitis C national elimination programme.

The testing programme was rolled out several years ago in areas such as London and Manchester and led to the identification of thousands of people unknowingly living with the viruses.

Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee, said: “Having people routinely tested for HIV and Hepatitis when any blood is taken is welcome progress.

"Not only will it save lives, it will normalise testing, reduce stigma and help us address health inequalities.

“As an HIV Fast Track City, we are working together to help end new cases of HIV by 2030 and this programme will go a long way in helping us to achieve this Bristol-wide goal.”

The tests are also now available at Weston General Hospital’s emergency.

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