Renewed national funding has been secured for a 'potentially life-saving' opt-out testing programme for HIV and viral hepatitis at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). 

Since March, patients aged 16 and over in need of a blood test at UHNM's Emergency Departments (ED) received screening for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) unless they asked to opt-out. 

The confirmation from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) means the programme will now run until 2029.

UHNM said that to date they have completed over 31,000 tests which have led to more than 50 patients who otherwise would not have been aware they were living with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C receive a potentially life-saving diagnosis. 

Dr Andrew Bennett, specialist doctor in emergency medicine, said: "We are delighted that this crucial programme is able to continue.

"Routine opt-out testing in our ED at both Royal Stoke and County hospitals is helping us identify people who may not otherwise have been tested, enabling us to offer life-saving treatment earlier and reduce onward transmission within our communities.

"This continued funding recognises the outstanding work of our ED, virology and specialist teams.

"Their commitment to delivering this programme has already made a significant difference to dozens of patients locally and we look forward to building on this success of the programme in the coming years."

The extra funding is part of NHS England's plan to stop new HIV cases by 2030 which focuses on making HIV testing a routine part of visits to emergency departments and continuing checks for hepatitis across the country. 

Debbie Lowe, associate directorate manager for emergency medicine, said: "We're incredibly proud of our ED teams for their part in this programme, which is helping identify people who may not otherwise be tested.

"Opt-out testing is simple, effective and fits easily into our routine care requiring just one extra blood sample.

"All results are anonymised for research, and only those with an initial positive result are contacted and supported."

Posters and leaflets are available in ED to inform patients about the testing.

Patients not required to have a blood test during their visit will not be tested.