MP backs HIV screening.

Lincoln MP and public health minister Gillian Merron has placed her support behind the introduction of routine HIV tests.


A pilot screening programme is currently being introduced to screen the population for the condition routinely in GP surgeries and hospitals.

Testing is currently carried out in sexual health clinics at the request of the patient, however, ministers want HIV testing to become more routine.

Ms Merron said that she was waiting on the results of the pilot tests in order to gauge public reaction.

“We estimate around one quarter of HIV cases are undiagnosed – so it’s important we reduce this so people can get the treatment they need,” she said.

“That’s why we are funding these pilot schemes, to see how we can make HIV testing more a routine.

“All the testing done in these schemes will be completely voluntary, and we will wait to see what results we get before deciding whether to take this wider.”