New figures reveal impact of opt-out HIV and Hepatitis testing

One year on from its launch, the emergency department blood testing programme at Tameside Hospital has been helping more people access life-saving treatment and support for HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.

This week, emergency department staff celebrated the programme’s success in detecting serious blood borne diseases that can go undetected for many years.

New figures revealed that 75 people received a new diagnosis of HIV or viral hepatitis through the programme between March 2025 to March 2026. On top of this, the programme has identified an additional 15 people who had previously been diagnosed with HIV or hepatitis, but had lost touch with health services, giving them a second chance to access treatment and support.

Anyone aged 16 or over who attends the hospital’s emergency department and requires a routine blood test is now automatically tested for HIV, as well as viral hepatitis, unless they choose to opt out. If the test comes back positive, then they are offered treatment and referred to specialist support services.

Early diagnosis means people can start treatment before health complications arise, allowing them to live long, healthy lives and prevent onward transmission.

Staff also say that some patients who are living with HIV or hepatitis feel more comfortable disclosing their positive status upfront as a result of routine testing.

Emergency Department Matron Jessica Batters said “Opt-out testing is saving lives – especially for those who don’t realise they are at risk of serious illness.

“Many of the people who have tested positive were visiting the emergency department for a completely unrelated reason and otherwise might never have known they had a virus until they became very unwell.

“Our emergency department team have shown incredible commitment to making the blood-borne viruses testing programme a success. We’re very proud to contribute to this national testing scheme which is helping to shape the future of the UK’s HIV and Hepatitis elimination strategies.”