Audit of blood borne virus screening, referral, and hepatitis B vaccination in a high secure hospital

Abstract

Blood borne virus (BBV) infections are a significant risk for patients and staff in secure settings. Hospital policy is that all newly admitted patients will be offered screening for hepatitis B & C and HIV. All admissions between 2016 and 2019 were audited for BBC screening and follow-up of positive results. 'Where appropriate', patients should be offered hepatitis B vaccination, and the offer/delivery of this was audited. Nearly all new admissions were screened for BBC in this period. The offer and provision of hepatitis B vaccination was inconsistent throughout the Hospital.