Anyone attending the emergency department at the University Hospital of North Tees who has blood taken will now be offered a routine test for diseases in the blood.
The initiative is designed to pick up infections early, many of which can show no symptoms but may cause long-term health problems if left untreated.
The test simply involves taking a small additional blood sample to examine for HIV, Hepatitis C and syphilis.
All results are completely confidential and patients who would prefer not to be tested can request to opt out.
Positive step
Dr George Simpson, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospital of North Tees, said: “This is a really positive step for our community.
“Many people may be living with an infection without realising it. This simple test allows us to identify problems early and get patients the right support and treatment.
“It’s quick, it’s confidential and it could make a huge difference to someone’s health.”
The tests help improve early diagnosis and treatment, while reducing the spread of infections.
Sexual health advice
HIV, Hepatitis C and syphilis are often spread through sexual contact.
Residents in the area can also access proactive sexual health advice and support from Teesside Together.
The service, launched in August this year, has four local hubs and works with 70 GP practices and approximately 100 community pharmacies across the region, to provide confidential, expert sexual health services.
Teesside Together can be contacted via:
Teesside Together is provided by the Tees Alliance Partnership, which is led by University Hospitals Tees, Hartlepool and Stockton Health and ELM GP Federation and is commissioned by the local authorities of Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland and is commissioned by NHS England and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Drug advice
Intravenous drug use is also linked to blood diseases. Information about support for drug abuse can be found online at: www.nth.nhs.uk/in-the-know-adults.