NEW FUNDING is set to see a boost to HIV testing in Reading following support from the council for a government initiative.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announced that the government would be rolling out a new opt-out approach to HIV testing in certain accident and emergency departments.
It will apply to all A&E departments in locations with a high prevalence of HIV, which includes Reading.
The scheme saw support from Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock, who has welcomed the move.
Expansion of the scheme into Reading follows the introduction of opt-out testing in London, Brighton, Blackpool, and Manchester.
Nearly 1,000 people were discovered to have HIV as part of the scheme in 18 months, and a further 3,000 were diagnosed with Hepatitis B or C.
To support the scheme, £20m of funding has been announced, which will see the amount of HIV tests being carried out in England doubled next year.
Now anybody who undergoes a blood test while being treated in the A&E department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will be tested for HIV, though they are free to opt out.
There are estimated to be around more than 4,000 people living undiagnosed with HIV in England, and the scheme is intended to “turbo charge” efforts to find them.
As well as Cllr Brock, the initiative has been welcomed by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, which has called for similar action to meet government goals to end new cases of HIV by the end of the decade.
More than two in five people who are diagnosed with HIV still receive a late diagnosis, with those who are women or of Black ethnicity more likely to be diagnosed in A&E tests compared to tests in sexual health clinics.
The initiative means that the imbalance of late diagnoses in these groups can be redressed, and avoid the poorer health outcomes faced by those with late diagnoses.
Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that the new Health Secretary has heard our call for vital HIV testing funds for Reading.
“Opt-out HIV testing in A&Es saves lives, saves money and relieves pressure on the NHS.
“This approach is exactly what is needed to find the undiagnosed and end new cases of HIV by 2030.
“I am determined that Reading plays our part in making that goal a reality.”
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said: “Today’s announcement is the testing turbo boost we need if we are to end new HIV cases by 2030.
“It’s hugely significant that an additional two million HIV tests will be carried out in A&Es over the next year thanks to a temporary but wholesale expansion of opt-out HIV testing to 46 additional hospitals.
“With this landmark investment, opt-out HIV testing in A&Es will account for more than half of all tests in England.
“This major ramping up of testing is absolutely crucial to find the 4,400 people still living with undiagnosed HIV.”
