Over 72,000 patients tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C

This year’s World AIDS Day (1 December 2025) highlights the importance of early diagnosis and access to treatment in ending HIV transmission. 

More than 180 people attending Emergency Departments (EDs) in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare have been newly diagnosed with a blood borne virus (BBV), including HIV, through an innovative opt-out testing scheme.

Since the programme launched a year ago, over 72,000 patients who had blood samples taken as part of their emergency care have also been tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The opt-out initiative, introduced at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), Southmead Hospital and Weston General Hospital (WGH) adult EDs, 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.

HIV has very few symptoms but left untreated can lead to a weakened immune system an increase the risk of opportunistic infections and eventually lead to AIDS.

Viral hepatitis is usually a silent disease until patients develop either liver failure or liver cancer, both of which can be completely prevented by early antiviral treatment.

Funded by NHS England (NHSE) and run jointly by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), the opt-out approach means that all routine blood samples are automatically screened for these viruses, unless a patient chooses not to take part.

In the first year of the scheme:

• Over 72,000 ED patients were tested, including:
• 34,000 at Southmead Hospital
• 25,000 at the BRI
• 12,000 at WGH

The percentage of people who attended an ED, had their blood sample taken and consented to the BBV testing was high overall, with all three EDs testing at or above the national average (70%):

• 80% at Southmead Hospital
• 77% at Bristol Royal Infirmary
• 70% at Weston General Hospital

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.

More than 50 people tested across the three sites had a previous diagnosis of one of these three blood-borne viruses but had stopped or never started treatment. Following their blood tests in one of our Emergency Departments they have reconnected with treatment pathways to get the help they need.

One patient, who asked to remain anonymous, was admitted to the WGH ED in October (2025) 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 their unwavering support and 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.”

Dr Matthew Clarke, ED consultant for NBT, said: “Many people in the UK living with a BBV are unaware of their status. Undiagnosed infections can result in serious long-term health issues and a higher risk of transmission. By supporting individuals to know their status and access specialist care, this programme is helping to improve health outcomes and curb the spread of these viruses in the region.

“This innovative initiative has been well-received, with the majority of participants choosing to take part, demonstrating its positive impact and community engagement.                    

Professor Tim Whittlestone, Bristol NHS Group Chief Medical and Innovation Officer, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have carried out testing for more than 72,000 patients across our EDs as part of this vital programme.

“Routine screening can make a life-changing difference, particularly for people who may be living with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, without any symptoms. This achievement shows how our two organisations, working together as Bristol NHS Group, can make a real difference for the population we serve. A huge thanks to all our colleagues whose hard work made it possible.”

The UK Health Security Agency recently published its Public Health Evaluation of BBV Opt-Out Testing in Emergency Departments in England: 33-Month Final Report. This report presents the final evaluation of the first wave of the NHS England–funded opt-out testing programme for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C across 34 emergency departments.

The findings show strong engagement with the programme, with nearly 70% of eligible patients tested - more than 60% of whom had never been tested for these infections before.

To find out more about BBV testing at BRI, Southmead and WGH EDs, visit the UHBW and NBT websites.