§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to protect prison officers from being infected with AIDS or the HIV virus.
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§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonGuidance was issued to prison officers in April 1986 advising them of the sensible hygiene precautions which should be taken, for instance when there is a spillage of blood or other bodily fluids. This guidance has since been reinforced as an integral part of prison officers' induction and on the job, operational training. This emphasis on training, to ensure that prison officers are aware of both the facts of the situation and the measures and precautions they should take, will continue.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prisoners in Scottish gaols are known to be(a) suffering from AIDS or (b) HIV positive; and what are the comparable figures for the last five years for which information is available.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe most recent survey, conducted on 20 October 1988, showed that 67 inmates in Scottish penal establishments were known to be HIV positive, and five were suffering from AIDS or AIDS related complex. There was a previous survey at Easter 1988 when the figures were 71 and four respectively. No figures are available before that date.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spread of AIDS in Scottish prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNationally, we have established an extensive education programme, involving both national campaigns as well as videos, leaflets and general talks specifically addressed. A variety of local initiatives are also being planned by individual establishments, with the co-operation of health boards and voluntary bodies.
We are taking a number of additional measures to minimise the opportunity for risky behaviour. An increasing proportion of the prison population is being housed in single cells. The gradual reduction of the prison population, partly as a result of measures to provide alternatives to custody, is also of assistance here.
§ Mr Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what facilities there are in Scottish prisons for the treatment of prisoners who are known to be suffering from AIDS or to be HIV positive.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonPrisoners who have been confirmed as HIV positive but are asymptomatic have access to advice, counselling and treatment from the prison medical staff. Health boards and voluntary organisations also provide specialist advice, counselling and testing facilities. When the health of an inmate with HIV/AIDS begins to deteriorate, the prison medical officer will decide on the appropriate form of treatment and whether to place the inmate in the prison hospital. Inmates who need specialist medical facilities unavailable in a prison hospital can be transferred to a hospital outside.