More than 180 people attending emergency departments in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare have been newly diagnosed with a blood borne virus, including HIV, through an innovative
opt-out testing scheme.
The initiative, introduced at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Southmead Hospital and Weston General Hospital emergency departments, aims to identify people living with undiagnosed BBVs and connect them with specialist care as early as possible. Early treatment prevents complications in the future, so it is vital people are identified as soon as possible.
All patients who were newly diagnosed with HIV have now begun treatment. Among those newly diagnosed with hepatitis B, 85% have started treatment, and 84% of those newly diagnosed with hepatitis C have also initiated treatment.
One patient, who asked to remain anonymous, was admitted last October and had blood tests carried out as part of the scheme. When the results showed hepatitis B, they were referred to the UHBW viral hepatitis clinic for treatment.
The patient said: “I’m really grateful to the clinicians for connecting me with the specialist clinic and helping ensure I can live a good quality of life despite my diagnosis.
“I’m relieved to finally have a routine check-up scheduled after several years without a referral. I also appreciate the health advice I received at the BRI to help reduce strain on my liver, along with the follow-up appointments arranged for me. A huge thank you to the team for improving lives.”
Fiona Gordon, consultant in hepatology at UHBW, said: “It’s really encouraging to see so many people being tested for BBVs when blood samples are already being taken in EDs. For some, this testing has been truly life-changing – identifying an infection they didn’t know they had and helping them access the support and treatment they need.
“With today’s advances in medicine, hepatitis B and HIV can be effectively managed to prevent serious health complications, while Hepatitis C is now curable. These treatments not only improve individual health outcomes but also play a vital role in preventing further transmission.”