In January 2024, the emergency department at The James Cook University Hospital became the first in England to launch syphilis screening for adults aged between 19 and 70 who are already having their blood sampled at A&E.
Middlesbrough had the highest rate of new syphilis diagnoses among all local authorities in the Northeast region in 2023, which was substantially higher than the national rate.
The initiative aims to routinely test anyone attending the emergency department for blood-borne diseases, unless a patient chooses to opt out.
This has helped identify infections early, many of which showed no symptoms but could have caused long-term health problems if left untreated.
Emergency department consultant Catriona Lane said: “The programme has been a huge success in helping us identify STIs that would have otherwise been left untreated.
“We’d like to thank both the emergency departments and the virology lab for doing a great job to ensure so many people with infections have been identified and treated via this programme.”
Following the success, the screening programme was also replicated in the emergency department at the University Hospital of North Tees in October 2025.
The medical teams have performed more than 8,000 tests on people attending the two emergency departments.
This has helped detect:
- HIV: 20 positive tests
- Syphilis: 134 positive tests
- Hepatitis C: 236 positive tests
According to consultant in infectious diseases David R Chadwick, who was part of the programme when it was launched, a significant number of those diagnosed are either newly-diagnosed or lost to care.
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.”
If not treated early, some STIs can cause permanent and serious damage to one’s health.
If a patient who has been tested at one of the two emergency departments has received a positive result, they will be contacted to arrange an appointment to discuss the next steps.
However, if they do not hear anything within 28 days, they can assume their tests are negative.
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.
Drug advice
Intravenous drug use is also linked to blood diseases. Information about support for drug abuse can be found on the online website.