HC Deb 09 February 1989 vol 146 cc806-7W
Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the numbers of AIDS patients reported in each of the following health authority areas: Riverside, Parkside, Bloomsbury, West Lambeth, Hampstead, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Camberwell; and what are the major hospitals in each district.

Mr. Mellor

The table shows the cumulative total of AIDS cases and deaths up to the end of December 1988 in each of the districts requested. These data are by health authority of the reporting doctor. The major hospitals listed in each district are those from which 10 or more cases were first reported to CDSC by the end of January 1989.

Cumulative total of cases Deaths Major hospitals
Riverside 477 220 Charing Cross
St. Stephen's
Westminster
West London
Parkside 287 152 St. Mary's
Bloomsbury 210 115 University College and Middlesex
West Lambeth 69 32 St. Thomas'
Hampstead 43 16 Royal Free
Tower Hamlets 43 28 The London (Whitechapel)

Cumulative total of cases Deaths Major hospitals
Wandsworth 36 18 St. George's
Camberwell 35 20 St. Giles'

Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice is given to health authorities about the disposal of clinical waste from AIDS patients;

(2) what precautions are taken for the disposal of sharps used in the treatment of AIDS patients.

Mr. Mellor

A code of guidance produced by the Health and Safety Commission for the safe dispersal of clinical waste has been sent to all health authorities with health notice HN(82)22, a copy of which is in the Library. Health authorities were required to review their policies for the handling, transporting and disposal of clinical waste which includes infectious waste and sharps used in the treatment of AIDS patients.