00:00A hospital screening program aimed at spotting undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections is marking two years of operation in Teesside.
00:08James Cook University Hospital began routine testing in its emergency department back in 2024, later expanding to North Tees.
00:17More than 8,000 adults have been tested, with dozens diagnosed with HIV, syphilis or hepatitis C.
00:24Doctors say many patients were previously undiagnosed or lost to care.
00:28Patients can opt out and anyone testing positive is contacted confidentially for treatment and support,
00:35with clinicians warning early detection prevents serious long-term health damage.
00:40The scheme is now permanent and continues to be reviewed by NHS teams locally.
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