A cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify sources of social support for 92 HIV-seropositive mothers and to examine the relationship between social support and initiation of health care after a positive test for HIV antibody. Main outcome measures were self-reported source and amount of social support and length of time between the first positive HIV antibody test and the first visit for HIV care. Results indicated that HIV-infected mothers frequently delay seeking medical care and report attenuated social support networks. A limited program of HIV counseling and testing during pregnancy is unlikely to ensure that they will enter the healthcare system.

No abstract

Background: There has been significant growth in the number of healthcare workers born outside the UK or recruited to the UK from countries with a high prevalence of TB, Hepatitis and other blood borne infections. Government policy recognises the need for occupational health procedures to facilitate treatment for these individuals and to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to patients.

A number of studies have concluded that the ill-experienced and ill-equipped transfer team can place patients' at serious risk of harm. Whether planned or unplanned, dedicated critical care transfer/retrieval teams have been shown to reduce patient mortality and morbidity.

This study shows that most care homes are not fully compliant with current infection prevention and control guidance, and that some unacceptable practices are occurring. In order to reduce potential for transmission of CDI and other diarrhoeal infection in care homes, infection prevention and control practices must be improved, with early diagnosis and control.