All new patients registering at GP practices are to be asked if
they had a blood transfusion before 1996, as part of an NHS drive
to find undiagnosed patients affected by the contaminated blood
scandal.
Each year, around 400,000 people born before 1996 – around half
of new sign-ups online – will now be asked if they received a
historic blood transfusion, with those who did then being offered
a test for Hepatitis C.
Patients will be able to order discreet, self-testing Hepatitis C
kits to complete at home, involving an easy finger prick blood
sample which is then posted to a lab for analysis – or they can
also access testing at GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and
other services.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver and if left
untreated, can sometimes cause serious and potentially
life-threatening liver damage over many years.
It often does not have any noticeable symptoms until the liver
has already been significantly damaged, meaning many people have
the infection without realising it.
Once diagnosed, Hepatitis C can be treated successfully by taking
direct-acting antivirals for several weeks, curing more than nine
out of 10 patients with Hep C.
The new questions will be first introduced in the online GP
registration service from next month (16 June 2025) and follow a
recommendation by Sir Brian Langstaff in the Infected Blood
Inquiry report, published in May 2024.
NHS England has issued new guidance to GPs on introducing the
questions, capturing responses and supporting patients where a
blood transfusion and infection risk is indicated.
Only newly registered patients born on or before 31 December 1995
will be asked if they have had a blood transfusion.
The new questions remind patients of likely reasons they may have
had a blood transfusion, including after an accident,
complication during childbirth, surgery, or other medical
treatment.
Rigorous modern safety standards continue to ensure that the NHS
blood supply is now among the safest in the world.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical
director, said: “The failures of the contaminated blood
scandal have had a horrifying impact for patients and their
families for decades, and I would like to reiterate our deepest
apologies for the role the health service played in the suffering
and loss for so many.
“The NHS is dedicated to implementing the Inquiry's
recommendations and this simple change to the GP registration
process for patients is a vital step forward in ensuring that
nobody affected by contaminated blood is living undiagnosed and
unsupported.
“By routinely checking their risk when anyone signs up to a new
GP and offering fast Hep C tests where necessary, we will ensure
any undiagnosed cases can be found and treated as quickly as
possible, while enabling thousands more to receive the
reassurance of a negative test.”
Health Minister said: “The Infected
Blood Scandal is one of the gravest injustices this country has
ever seen. The government has been clear nothing of this nature
can ever happen again, and we must take tangible action.
“This initiative will see patients asked about their history and
given access to the tests they need if they are at risk of
Hepatitis C, in line with the recommendations of Sir Brian
Langstaff.”
Monica Desai, Head of Hepatitis Section at UKHSA,
said: "It's critical that those most at risk of
hepatitis C continue to be tested so they can get access to
life-saving treatments and clear the virus.
“Testing is free - either via your GP or by ordering a kit
online."
Since screening of blood donations was introduced, the risk of
getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products
is very low.
Anyone living in England over the age of 18 can order a free home
test for hepatitis C from
hepctest.nhs.uk.
Notes to editors
- There are around 840,000 new online GP registrations each
year. Currently, around half (46%) of those applying were born
before 1996 with a UK country of birth meaning around 400,000
people will be asked about their risk annually.
- Based on the symptoms of Hepatitis B and HIV, it is almost
certain that any patient who contracted these viruses following
an infected blood transfusion prior to 1996 will have already
been tested, diagnosed and in treatment.
- Since screening of blood donations was introduced, the risk
of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood
products is very low. However, if a new patient indicates they
may have had a pre-1996 blood transfusion, have not yet been
tested or there are concerns about other possible symptoms or
risk factors, GPs may also offer tests for hepatitis C, hepatitis
B and HIV.
- Other risk factors for hepatitis C include previous or
current injecting drug use, being in the criminal justice system
and being born, or have lived, in a country where the bloodborne
disease is endemic.