14th Annual Conference of the British HIV Association 23-25 April 2008, Belfast

AN AUDIT OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN NORTHERN IRELAND

HIV Med 2008; 9(Suppl. 1):12 (abstract no. P8)

S Quah, P Knowles and CLNY Wilson
RMAG Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK

The aim of the audit was to assess the multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) co-ordination and referral to available services for people attending the Regional HIV Clinic, the spectrum of social services accessed by patients and patient satisfaction with the social workers team. An extended questionnaire section related to social services was given to patients for anonymous completion, and a case note review of 50 current cases were randomly selected. Within the sample, 15% of respondents had current regular contact with a social worker, 25% current but infrequent contact. 68% of the patient sample had been diagnosed in Northern Ireland, with the remaining 32% diagnosed outside Northern Ireland. The immigration status of the sample were 80% United nationals, 8% had indefinite or limited leave to remain, 6% were other European Union nationals, 4% had working visas, 2% asylum status, and 2% were over-stayers. 84% used English as their first language. It is evident that there is a high prevalence of social difficulties among the cohort of patients, 66% were unwaged and consequently more likely to be suffering from social/economic deprivation and poverty. Almost all the patients who were referred to social work support avail of practical and emotional support for themselves, their partners and family members. There is evidence of an integrated community support service, liaison and co-working with statutory and voluntary agencies in the community.

2008-04-23
P8

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