Chief medical officer welcomes audit of HIV services

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has welcomed an audit report into the standards of services for the diagnosis and management of HIV in Northern Ireland.

Compiled by the Regional Multi-professional Audit Group (RMAG), the report’s findings demonstrated that key services were largely compliant with national standards and guidelines.

Dr McBride said: “Audit is an important tool which helps us judge whether our services are meeting patient need and providing a high quality of care. It allows us to identify the areas we do well and build on these, and also to identify areas that can be strengthened.

“The recommendations from the audit will help to ensure that HIV services are fully aligned to the needs of patients and that healthcare workers are supported and trained to meet those needs.

“I am committed to ensuring that we redouble our efforts on prevention and early diagnosis and that people in NI living with HIV have access to the highest standards of treatment and care and most effective use of drug treatment.”

In advance of World Aids Day on Saturday, Dr McBride also emphasised the importance of good sexual health, and commented on the number of new HIV cases in Northern Ireland. In 2006 there were 57 new diagnoses of HIV, 10 per cent fewer than the 63 cases in 2005.

He said: “There has been a modest fall-off in the number of people diagnosed in Northern Ireland with HIV, but the figures still mean that, on average, there is one new case of HIV infection recorded here every week. That is one person a week too many.

"World Aids Day presents an opportunity to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS and the ongoing efforts in prevention, treatment and care. The fact that HIV infections are continuing to occur demonstrates the need to continue to reinforce the 'safer sex' message.

“It is vital that people look after their sexual health. As Chief Medical Officer I will continue to advocate for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in the context of an overall approach to good sexual health.

“A draft Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan is in its final stage of development. The Strategy aims to improve, protect and promote the sexual health and wellbeing of the population in Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

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