HIV testing in UHL is huge success
Last month marked the one year anniversary of the start of opt out HIV testing in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) – the half-way point of a two year pilot scheme that has already diagnosed 20 new cases of the virus.
For the last year, anyone who has had a blood test as part of their care in the Emergency Department (ED) has been screened for HIV as a matter of routine, unless they opt out. Not only has this detected previously unknown cases, the testing has also identified 12 known HIV positive patients who had disengaged from care and were not on antivirals.
Any patients found to have HIV are referred to the Alexis Clinic at UHL to begin treatment.
Lewisham has one of the highest rates of HIV in the country at 8.36 people per 1,000, higher than both the London and England-wide rates of 5.69 and 2.3 respectively.
The virus is treatable if diagnosed early, and those diagnosed early can expect to live long and healthy lives. Moreover, treatment prevents transmission of the virus to others. Late diagnosis can, however, be much more dangerous, and even fatal. Early HIV testing also leads to fewer unnecessary hospital admissions and medical outpatient appointments down the line, saving the Trust and the wider NHS huge sums of money.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation was among the major backers for the HIV testing scheme, which was also rolled out in St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital.
Consultant HIV specialist Dr Melanie Rosenvinge said: “We’re thrilled that this pilot scheme is progressing in such an effective manner, allowing us to provide our exemplary care to HIV positive patients who were previously unaware of their status, at a much earlier, safer stage.”
The introduction of routine testing is helping to break down the stigma surrounding HIV amongst staff and patients – one of the biggest barriers to testing and burdens to those living with the virus.
One patient, who attended ED with an unrelated issue and was subsequently found to be HIV positive via the testing pilot, gave it their backing: “I’ll tell you the truth, I’m glad I got tested. Everyone’s been so supportive. I think everyone should have a test.”