The Scottish Government has announced new funding for the roll-out of opt-out blood borne virus testing in emergency departments in cities with a high HIV prevalence. The decision follows three pilots of opt-out testing in NHS Lothian, NHS Grampian and NHS Highland in 2024.
This new funding will see the public health intervention introduced in hospitals in NHS Lothian and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where HIV prevalence is highest. Those diagnosed with HIV will now be able to access treatment that means they can live a healthy life and won’t be able to pass HIV on.
The commitment was made as a component of the Programme for Government 2025-2026, setting out what action will be taken by the Scottish Government in the coming year. The scale of the funding available and timelines are still to be confirmed.
