HC Deb 07 June 1996 vol 278 cc586-7W
Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in relation to haemophilia, what guidance he issues in respect of(a) a patient's consent to blood tests for hepatitis C and (b) a patient being told about positive results. [31372]

Mr. Horam

The Department of Health issued general guidance in 1990 on consent for examination and treatment. Doctors treating patients with haemophilia will be aware of the risk of infection with hepatitis C in the case of patients treated with blood products before they began to be heat treated to destroy viruses in 1985. The majority of patients at risk have already been tested and advised of the results as part of the management of their condition.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is(a) the number of haemophiliacs and(b) the number who have been infected with hepatitis C; [31373]

(2) if he will list the percentage of partners of haemophiliacs who have been infected with hepatitis C; [31376]

(3) if he will list the percentage of children of haemophiliacs who are infected with hepatitis C. [31377]

Mr. Horam

This information is not available centrally.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the rate of hepatitis C infection in haemophiliacs in each European country. [31374]

Mr. Horam

We have no information about the rates of hepatitis C infection in haemophiliacs in other European countries.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the countries that have given compensation to haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C. [31375]

Mr. Horam

No.

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