TPHC were commissioned by NHS England National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, to deliver a Hep C pilot project looking to raise awareness, address stigma and improve access to Hepatitis C testing and treatment for marginalised populations through primary care in a collaborative and sustainable way. The project is led by the Clinical Lead for Hepatitis C in Health Inequalities & Inclusion Health, Dr Binta Sultan and Project Manager Jess Notridge.
A new pilot has launched at Brigstock Medical Practice, SWL on 14 July 2025. The pilot offers Opt-out BBV testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, to all registered patients over the age of 18, building on the success of the ED (A&E) opt – out programme.
The hep c project aims to collaborate with two practices situated in areas with a high index of deprivation. These practices include a specialist homeless practice (Health E1 in North East London) and a non-specialist practice (Brigstock Medical Practice in South West London).
The first pilot at Health E1, offered an integrated BBV testing and health screening service, through a drop-in lived experience led clinic. Alongside this the service also offered harm minimisation interventions, wound care, liver health screening, peer support and involved active outreach to street populations.
With funding from Gilead Sciences and support from SWL ICB, local clinical teams and partnered peer-advocacy organisations, this new innovative pilot at Brigstock aims to enhance BBV testing and care pathways to improve patient engagement and follow-up. A full evaluation will be carried out at the end of the pilot. The learning from this pilot will be invaluable in understanding how to scale up opt-out BBV testing and the management of BBVs in primary care in England, and in understanding the Return on investment (ROI).
To find out more information about the project, please contact: Jess.notridge@nhs.net