Description

The overall objective was to identify the patient population

who had been exposed, inform the patients of the risk, and

provide support and care to patients and the particular health

care worker involved. This exercise involved three health

authorities (HAs) where a dentist had practiced, and identified

almost 600 patients at risk. In addition to writing to every

patient, two HAs set up a joint helpline to respond to over

500 patients, and the general public. Counselling and testing

sessions were offered to all at risk. This was planned over

several days. The initial letter to, patients provided an

83% response and a follow up letter two weeks later increased

this to a 95% response rate. Almost 50% of patients were counselled

and tested, and no positive results were reported. The exercise

involved more than 60 staff from the local health services

and voluntary organisations.