HIV 'game-changer' now on NHS A drug that dramatically reduces the risk of being infected with HIV will now be given to patients by the NHS in England. The health service lost a court battle in the summer after arguing responsibility for paying for it should fall to local authorities not the NHS. Now at least 10,000 people will be given the "Prep" drug in a … [Read more...]
Millions should be offered routine HIV testing, NICE and Public Health England say on World Aids Day
HIV testing should be offered in A&Es and GP practices depending on local HIV prevalence, says NICE and PHE in new guidance NICE and Public Health England recommend HIV testing is offered to millions of people living in areas with a high prevalence of HIV. Up to 3.7m people attending routine appointments could be offered a test for HIV by their GP, under new guidance, … [Read more...]
NHS England has power to fund Prep HIV drug, court decides
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the NHS in England has the power to fund a drug which prevents HIV infection in people at high risk of the virus. NHS England had previously said that local authorities should provide the pre-exposure prophylaxis drug - known as Prep - because they are responsible for preventative health. But the court insisted this fell within the remit … [Read more...]
Consultations on HCPC guidance
Dear colleague The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is seeking views on three guidance documents. Guidance on social media Revised guidance on confidentiality Revised guidance on continuing professional development (CPD) The consultations open today and you can download the consultation documents by clicking here. The closing date for responses is … [Read more...]
A&E’s routine HIV testing has helped identify dozens living undiagnosed
A London hospital that introduced routine HIV screening for emergency patients has helped diagnose dozens of people who were unaware they were living with HIV. Since July 2015, patients over the age of 16 who are already undergoing blood tests at St Thomas’ Hospital A&E are tested for HIV at the same time, unless they chose to opt out. During the first year of the … [Read more...]