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 healthcare organisations in Southwark, and the Elton John Foundation to increase the detection of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in our community. 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).
HIV is now a long term manageable condition and it is best to diagnose it early to avoid it severely affecting your immune system and making you very sick. Early detection is best for both outcomes and treatment.
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 speak to your GP.
