OPT OUT TESTING - Working Towards 2030 goal of no new transmissions

At George House Trust, we believe in empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being, and we’re pleased to see the expansion of opt-out testing in Emergency Departments (EDs or ‘A&E’) across Greater Manchester and Liverpool

People in the Greater Manchester area are now automatically screened for HIV, and hepatitis C (and in some hospitals hepatitis B) as part of their routine blood work done when visiting an ED. This approach, known as "opt-out" testing, is designed to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and test more people, especially those who might not recognise that they could get a blood borne virus.

 Ben Bamber - Peer Navigator at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust commented 'since opt-out testing has been implemented there have been 391 new HIV diagnoses, recorded up until December 2023 in England. I recently supported a patient who was tested positive in 2023 and they shared with me, ‘‘As frightening as it has been, I am glad I got the diagnosis, if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known and may have put other people at risk.’’George House Trust has recruited a team of peer navigators to provide support when individuals receive their diagnosis, hospital trusts in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Salford, Oldham and Tameside, will all have a dedicated peer navigator connected to the local HIV clinic. Peer Navigators have lived experience of HIV and are able to provide 1-2-1 support and signposting to other services within George House Trust, helping people to live well with HIV.Testing is carried out to everyone who has bloods taken in EDs to ensure equity of access and help destigmatise HIV testing.

This is an important step forward in helping reach the UK's goal of no new transmissions by 2030 and works to

1) Increase Testing Rates by making HIV testing a standard part of medical care, more people are tested, which helps identify undiagnosed cases earlier. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and care

2)De-stigmatize: Opt-out testing reduces the stigma around HIV, as it normalizes testing and makes it just another part of routine healthcare, rather than something that is only offered to specific groups of people.

3)Improve Health Outcomes: With earlier diagnosis, people living with HIV can access treatment sooner, leading to better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and a reduced risk of transmission to others.

4)Breakdown Barriers: Many people may feel hesitant to ask for an HIV test or may not even consider it necessary. Opt-out testing removes this barrier, ensuring that everyone has access to this vital screening.

At George House Trust, we work tirelessly to support individuals living with HIV and ensure they have access to the care and services they need. We encourage everyone to embrace opt-out testing as a routine part of their healthcare journey—because knowing your status is key to living a long, healthy life