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Nottingham’s A&E testing scheme marks six months progress
In the first six months the A&E department opt-out testing programme for blood borne viruses (BBV) has helped to diagnose more than 50 people with HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Nottingham.
The testing scheme has now been in place for more than six months and 35,390 tests identified 14 people living with undiagnosed HIV, 27 new Hepatitis B and 17 Hepatitis C diagnoses.
The scheme was introduced at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) last year to identify people living with an undiagnosed BBV and improve access to testing, while reducing stigma and saving lives.
Dr Ashini Fox, a HIV specialist at NUH, said: “We have been very surprised by just how many diagnoses of HIV infection have been made since the project has been running. 14 new diagnoses in half a year is similar to the rates that were seen in some very high prevalence areas of the country in the first wave of ED opt out testing.
“I think it goes to show how important the program is at picking up infection in individuals who may have otherwise not been tested through sexual health or primary care. Happily, we have been able to link people into care very quickly, support them and get them on effective treatment.”
Liam Dougan, Co-lead for tHrIVe Peer Support Group said: “Traditionally a HIV test could often be the last test to be considered by patients and has often been avoided due to negative connotations. However, the ED testing has made diagnosis much simpler, particularly in asymptomatic patients, and this could make a huge impact on the swift treatment and therefore health of the patient.”
Amanda Wilson, Emergency Department Clinical Support Worker, said: “I think it’s a good thing that we are doing. It’s making people aware that they have a treatable virus, when they otherwise may not have found out. Performing the tests has become a normal part of our work, it’s just natural to get two yellow bottles to ensure the BBV test is done.”
If you are worried about HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection, you can seek free and confidential testing by contacting:
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Sexual health services on 0300 131 7010
Home testing kits for HIV can be requested at:
www.sexualhealthnn.co.uk or Welcome to SH.UK — SH.UK
Home testing kits for hepatitis C can be requested at: Home - HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk)
Your GP practice can also undertake testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C on request.