Salford and Manchester are among 16 very high prevalence areas in England for HIV.
According to the Northern Care Alliance, In Greater Manchester more than 6,379 people are thought to be living with HIV, with an estimated 5% unaware of their status.
In order to combat the rising cases, the Salford Care Organisation “are joining the fight” to end all new HIV transmissions in GM by 2030.
From October 2 emergency department patients at Salford Care Organisation aged 16 and above will be routinely screened for HIV if they are having their blood taken. This testing is part of a national NHS initiative to test in the areas where rates of HIV are highest.
Dr Sarah Rose, lead consultant at Salford Care Organisation, said: “It’s so important for people living with HIV to get diagnosed early as treatment is life-saving and free from the NHS.
“The routine implementation of HIV testing for adults in emergency departments across the UK, particularly in areas of very high prevalence, has been hugely successful in ensuring that all populations have access to screening.”
Under the programme at Salford Royal, people visiting the emergency department will be offered a HIV test when bloods are taken for other reasons. There is a specialist team in place to contact people with a positive test who will offer support and treatment. All the results are confidential.
Anyone not wishing to be tested is free to decline the offer of a test and can do so by letting a member of staff know.
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