§ The Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed as HIV positive over the last three years; how many of these were haemophiliacs; what plans he has for counselling and support for HIV positive patients within the health service; how many patients in Northern Ireland have contracted acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamForty individuals have been diagnosed as HIV antibody positive in Northern Ireland in the last three years, of whom 16 were haemophiliacs. Of the total identified as being HIV antibody positive, three have gone on to develop AIDS, all of whom have died.
The provision of care for HIV antibody positive patients is a matter for each health and social service boards in light of local circumstances. Anyone wishing to be tested for the HIV virus can make arrangements through their own general medical practitioner or themselves attend the department of genito-urinary medicine at the Royal Victoria hospital or any of the sexually transmitted disease clinics in the province.
Each individual attending for testing is offered counselling before the test is undertaken and if found HIV antibody positive, again after the tests have been carried out. In addition testing and counselling has been offered to all haemophiliacs in the Province.