Tens of thousands of people tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C with new cases identified
Last updated: 07/07/2025
More than 50,000 people who have attended emergency departments in Bristol and Weston have been tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C since the launch of a scheme for blood-borne virus testing.
More than 120 people across the three emergency departments have been diagnosed with either HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C because of the tests.
The tests are offered by North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) at Southmead Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary and Weston General Hospital’s emergency departments to everyone over 18-years-old who is having blood taken.
Dr Matthew Clarke, emergency department consultant for North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer these blood-borne virus tests to people visiting our emergency department, which have already helped hundreds of people in the region understand their own health and get appropriate treatment. This is such an important step towards normalising testing and linking people to the care that they need. HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to other health problems if left untreated, so detecting these viruses and directing people towards the correct specialists is vital.”
One patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, was diagnosed with Hepatitis C following a test at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. They said: “I was surprised to be told I had Hepatitis C and that I may have had it for years. I started my treatment after returning home, and I was amazed when I was told it could all be over in three months.
“I have been retested at home and the Hepatitis C is gone.
“I think the introduction of specific blood tests at emergency departments is invaluable. I would never have known I had Hepatitis C if it were not for these tests.”
Offering the tests in emergency departments helps to identify people with blood-borne viruses and offers swift referral to treatment.
HIV and hepatitis B and C can be symptomless, meaning people can live with them for years and not know. However, treatment for all three viruses is free on the NHS and can be lifesaving.
If diagnosed and treated promptly, people with HIV can live normal and healthy lives. People living with HIV who are on treatment and have undetectable levels of HIV cannot pass HIV on through sex. Left untreated hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to serious health implications, including liver cancer.
Jane Gitahi, UHBW’s Community Matron and Bristol and Severn ODN Lead Nurse said: “Routine screening for hepatitis B and C in our emergency departments improves patients’ access to specialist care, by rapidly linking them to simple and highly effective treatment. We are hopeful that this will enable Bristol to eliminate hepatitis C well before the WHO target of 2030 and improve outcomes for patients with Hepatitis B.
“The emergency department testing programme complements other Bristol wide initiatives like the Alright My Liver? a community based fibroscan project all aimed at improving screening and linkage to care for liver disease.
“We are fortunate to have an experienced team of peer support workers from the Hep C Trust and Brigstowe working closely with our hospital teams to help counsel patients previously not known to have a blood-borne virus.”