Pioneering STI programme hailed a success
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustA pioneering programme aimed at detecting undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is celebrating its second anniversary.
In January 2024 the emergency department at James Cook University Hospital became the first in England to launch syphilis screening for adults who were already having their blood sampled.
The pilot programme, included routine testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, was later made permanent, and in October 2025 rolled out to include the emergency department at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Since it began, it has tested more than 8,000 adults and found 20 were positive for HIV, 134 for syphilis, and 236 for Hepatitis C.
Consultant in infectious diseases David R Chadwick, who was part of the programme when it was launched, said a significant number of those were either newly-diagnosed or lost to care.
People attending either A&E department were routinely tested unless they opted out, and anyone with a positive result was contacted to arrange an appointment to discuss the next steps.
If not treated early, some STIs can cause permanent and serious damage to one's health.
Dr George Simpson, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospital of North Tees, said: "The introduction of the programme has been a positive step for our community.
"Thanks to the simple and confidential test, many people who were living with an infection without realising it have received the right support and treatment."
