Impact Review 2024-25: SHIP HIT

Emergency Department testing expanded

The SHIP HIT has been working hard to make the case for routine opt-out bloodborne virus testing to be implemented in Bristol, where HIV prevalence is high.

From October 2024, with support from the HIT, testing was introduced in both of Bristol’s and in Weston Super-Mare’s Emergency Departments. This followed a national evaluation, led by HIT members, which showed that NHS England’s initial pilot in other parts of England had been extremely effective.

Recognition for Common Ambition Bristol

Common Ambition Bristol continues to be celebrated as an example of best practice in engaging communities to address healthcare challenges.

The programme won the Commissioning for Patient Experience award at the 2024 Patient Experience Network National Awards. Community-led HIV programme Common Ambition Bristol wins national award – Bristol Health Partners

The programme was Highly Commended in the ‘Most Effective Contribution to Integrated Health and Care’ category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, in recognition of its outstanding work to improve HIV healthcare for marginalised communities and effective collaboration with the NHS. CAB has launched a co-production toolkit offering practical guidance for anyone designing more equitable, person-centred services.

Fast-Track Cities Bristol: National Fast Track Cities conference hosted in Bristol

Fast-Track Cities is a global initiative which aims to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The SHIP HIT is a leading member of Fast-Track Cities Bristol, which hosted a hugely successful Fast-Track Cities UK & Ireland conference on 31 January 2025.

Earlier in 2024, Fast-Track Cities Bristol launched its own website, which collates research and reports from the region’s researchers, as well as news and events happening locally. Read its annual action plan.

Self-test kit vending machines

HIT researchers led an evaluation – published in BMJ Open – of vending machines dispensing test kits for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in venues across the region. It found that these machines are acceptable to the public and staff at venues where they are located.

Service recommissioning

Sexual health services in Bristol were recommissioned in 2025. The HIT supported this process through 2024/5 by providing joined up system leadership and evidence to inform decisions.

Research into PrEP in pharmacies

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective pill for preventing HIV infection. Currently it is only available free on the NHS via sexual health clinics, which may limit access to under-served communities. Making it available in community pharmacies could help improve access.

HIT researchers conducted a   across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to examine feasibility and acceptability. This work won the ‘STI Journal Most Publishable Award’ at the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV annual conference and results are being written up.

Resources to reduce discrimination against people living with bloodborne viruses

Discrimination is a big issue in beauty settings, including tattooing and piercing. HIV and Hepatitis Awareness for Tattoo and Piercing Artists, led by SHIP HIT member Catherine Dodds and colleagues at the University of Bristol, have made free resources to address this issue.

The needs of older Black people with HIV

HIT member Dr Jane Meyrick has led a systematic review of the needs of older Black people with HIV. This will inform a local qualitative study of the needs of this underserved population.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) patient pathway redesign

86% of sexual violence survivors avoid all healthcare, but particularly sexual and reproductive care.  As Researcher in Residence at the Bristol SARC, Jane led an arts-based workshop to operationalise what trauma informed care needs to look like for survivors to look after their health. The work is feeding into Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS) self-testing plans through the SH:24 service and the Women’s Health Plan for Wales.

Funding enabled in 2024-25

SHIP HIT helped secure £23,182,375 in 2024-25 for projects to generate research evidence, improve outcomes and address health inequalities in the region.