New initiatives in a district AIDS counselling unit, 1988-89

This paper describes the workload of the AIDS Counselling Unit in Hampstead District Health Authority during its second year of service. Between April 1988 and March 1989, the average number of patients seen each month by the Unit doubled. It is anticipated that the caseload in the district will continue to increase, both among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and those without. New initiatives were developed within the district during the year. These included a new inpatient facility for patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the appointment of a designated HIV/AIDS consultant, and counselling services for people attending the antenatal clinic as well as those entering drug trials. Appropriate counselling services will need to be established in other health districts to meet local demand.