Results of a survey of diagnosed HIV infections prevalent in 1996 in England and Wales.

This paper describes a survey undertaken to assess the caseload of HIV infected patients who received medical care from statutory service providers in England and Wales in 1996 in order to inform health authorities about the size and composition of their resident population of such patients. A total of 13,670 HIV infected patients were identified as living in England and Wales, 70% of whom lived in the Thames NHS executive regions. Over half the total caseload received care within their health authority of residence. Regional care centres attracted patients from wider areas, however, particularly in the North West and Thames regions. This survey of prevalent diagnosed HIV infections, one of a series conducted annually, provides public health specialists with information relevant to their localities without compromising patient confidentiality. Along with other data from the surveillance of AIDS cases and HIV infections it contributes to the assessment and projection of demands on health and social services and provides evidence on which to develop and direct national and local health campaigns.