This 2007 cross-sectional survey is illustrative of UK HIV hospitalization patterns. Data were received for 255 inpatients of whom 43.9% had AIDS-defining illnesses (ADIs). A total of 56.3% had CD4 counts <200 mm(3) and 17% were diagnosed with HIV on their current admission. In those diagnosed for >3 months with CD4 < 200/mm(3) (90/188), 47% were not on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). ADIs still make up a substantial proportion of inpatient work in the UK and late diagnosis and failure to benefit from cART remain too common.