The search for patients who were exposed to the HIV virus by a dental worker is still going on two months after it began, it has been revealed.

The major lookback exercise was launched by the North Essex Health Authority in October and involved contacting about 5,600 people in the area.

The authority has now reached the final stage of the exercise which is identifying and tracking down all those whose records may have been transferred from one dental practice to another.

Just over 150 patients are now being notified as a result of the final search to be carried out.

The risk became apparent when the health care worker - who was employed at dental surgeries in Clacton, Colchester and Southend - was diagnosed with the disease.

The dental worker ceased working earlier this year as soon as they became aware of the infection.

A spokeswoman for the health authority said that because of strict infection control procedures, the risk of transmission of HIV to a patient is very small.

"There have been no reported cases in the UK," she said.

"The notification letters tell patients that they may have been exposed to HIV infection. The letters give the telephone number of a special local helpline through which they can arrange counselling and an HIV test."

Patients in the Clacton area have criticised the authority over the way the lookback has been handled.

One had to make several calls before she was given a letter to get a test carried out - because she had moved address.

Another woman was angry when she was offered a do-it-yourself test kit after she missed the screening programme at her hospital, again because she had moved.

The mother, who could hardly believe she would have to carry out the test herself, finally received the kit about a month after requesting it - and claimed she was never offered counselling.

Neither woman can be named for legal reasons.

It is believed about 2,000 people were sent DIY kits by the authority.

A helpline for all other enquiries has been set up on freephone 0800 328 0975.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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