Routine HIV screening for Nexus Health Group patients
There is an extremely high rate of diagnosed HIV across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham – it is the highest in England. Whilst new HIV diagnosis rates are falling across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, over one third of London residents first diagnosed with HIV in the UK were diagnosed late, and there are still people living with HIV who are unaware of their status.
We are working with Fast Track Cities and emergency departments to increase the detection of undiagnosed HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). If we take a blood test for any reason, we will automatically add on a HIV screen to the sample (if there has been no recent screening). If you wish to opt out of this programme, please speak to reception or your clinician.
HIV is now a long term manageable condition and with medication you can live a normal life and protect your loved ones.
Why are HIV tests automatic?
Lambeth and Southwark have the highest levels of HIV in the United Kingdom.
A quarter of people in the UK with HIV do not know they have the disease.
There is no reason why people in the UK should die from HIV. One of the most common reasons they do is because they don’t know they have the infection.
Anyone can have HIV.
What if I do not want the screening?
We strongly encourage all of our patients to include HIV screening as part of their routine blood testing.
If you wish to opt-out of the screening, please let the team know and we will remove the request for HIV screening.
