- More than 60,000 people tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C in ground-breaking initiative
- Routine opt-out testing at Royal Bolton Hospital has resulted in dozens of new diagnoses
- Scheme is making sure people are being offered support and treatment
Tens of thousands of people have been routinely tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C in the first year of a ground-breaking opt-out testing programme in Royal Bolton Hospital’s Emergency Department.
The initiative, which launched in March 2025, tests people aged 16 and over for blood borne viruses (BBV) when they are having a blood test in the Emergency Department.
Between March 2025 and March 2026, the programme has resulted in:
- 69 positive HIV tests, with 9 people being newly diagnosed.
- 84 positive Hepatitis B tests, with 42 people newly diagnosed.
- 32 positive Hepatitis C tests.
The initiative makes sure even more people are being told about undiagnosed conditions and are being offered support and treatment, which can ultimately save lives.
The one year milestone was marked with an event at the University Medical School, bringing together Trust colleagues and local and national partners to reflect on the success of the testing programme and set out plans to strengthen it in the future.
Dr Rauf Munshi, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are proud that our opt-out testing scheme in the Emergency Department has already tested more than 60,000 people, resulting in dozens of people receiving a diagnosis they may not otherwise have had.
“As a direct result of this ground-breaking initiative more people in Bolton are getting the access to the care, treatment and support they need at the earliest opportunity.
“We couldn’t have made this impact so quickly without the hard work of our teams, from our laboratory teams who developed new ways of processing tests to ensure timely results, our medical and nursing colleagues on the frontline carrying out these tests, and our consultants who ensure those receiving a positive result feel supported about their next steps.”
Data from the Trust reveals 88% of the 32 people diagnosed with Hepatitis C would not have been offered a test outside of the Emergency Department or primary care.
Natalie Taylor, Senior Programme Manager at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We would never have found a vast majority of these patients through another route. A huge thank you to every who got this scheme up and running so successfully.”
The approach is aiming to normalise testing, reduce stigma and ensure those who are unaware of their status can receive timely care.
Anita Binns, Peer Navigator at the George House Trust said:
“Over the past year, I’ve supported people to come to terms with a new HIV diagnosis. Using my own experience, I’ve been able to show that you can live a full, normal life with HIV.
“At George House Trust, we know some people need more support than others, particularly those who’ve been unwell for some time without realising they were living with the virus. The Emergency Department opt-out testing has been a game changer, helping us diagnose people and get them back on track with their lives.
“My thanks to everyone at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust who’s played a part in making sure people living with HIV can access the treatment, care and support they need. Together, we are creating a world where HIV holds no one back.”
For more information about the opt-out testing programme at Royal Bolton Hospital, please visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.
