A decision by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) to offer testing for HIV and Hepatitis B and C to any patient attending its emergency departments at Ealing Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital has seen patients getting positive diagnoses and to be able to get treatment.
The initiative, which has seen 30,000 people tested since May 2022, is part of the Government’s HIV Action Plan to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030.
Twelve people tested were unaware they had HIV, while 230 were unaware of their Hepatitis C status, and 223 of their Hepatitis B status.
Following the results, everyone tested positive is offered treatment.
Dr John McSorley, Clinical Lead for Sexual Health and HIV Services, at LNWH, said: “I am proud of the amazing work my colleagues in the A&E, Infectious Diseases and Hepatology teams do because they change lives every day. These viruses are treatable but it remains a life changing moment for those affected when they are diagnosed. However, it is also the first step towards treatment which is life-affirming for those living with HIV or Hepatitis B, and for those with Hepatitis C, the first step to treatment and cure”.
Dr Lauren Fraser, an emergency medicine consultant, added: “Within weeks of the screening programme being launched we were told that patients were being diagnosed that would never have been otherwise.”