Little evidence is available on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) in mentally ill populations. In April 2012 routine offering of testing for HBV, HCV and HIV of all individuals admitted at Broadmoor, a maximum secure psychiatric hospital, was introduced.

To elicit screening rates of, and to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in the inpatient population at Broadmoor Hospital.

To critically assess the identification process of blood-borne viruses (BBV) in order to improve patient care.

Retrospective data collection via the electronic patient record (EMIS) ascertained the proportion of the 198 inpatients offered screening and ultimately tested for HBV, HCV and HIV inclusive from April 1st 2012 to September 22nd 2012.

The proportion offered screening for HBV was 95% (189); for HCV was 94.9% (188) and for HIV was 92.9% (184). 129 patients were screened in each hepatitis group and 123 in the HIV group. Within the population of Broadmoor were three cases of HCV, one with HIV and zero with HBV.

This is a group at high risk for BBV infection and with a length of stay of up to five to six years it is important to identify those infected in order to instigate treatment and mitigate risk to both patients and staff. This study demonstrates rigorous screening for BBV is critical and will therefore necessarily impact on planning services for the future.