Response to news that an obstetrician/gynaecologist has AIDS

This paper summarises the response of a district health authority, in March 1993, to the diagnosis of AIDS in a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist. A helpline was established, facilities to test for HIV antibody were arranged, and patients upon whom the infected doctor had performed surgical procedures in the preceding 10 years were identified from local records. Letters were sent to patients who did not contact the helpline, with advice and the offer of HIV antibody testing. A total of 4594 National Health Service and private patients of the obstetrician/gynaecologist were identified, 1206 of whom (26%) were tested for HIV antibody. A further patient, who had other identified risks for HIV infection, had been known to be positive for anti-HIV since 1992. An additional 475 people who had not been treated by the doctor asked to be tested as a result of the publicity given to the incident. The estimated cost to the health authority of this patient notification exercise was 150,100 pounds.