Menu
13/03/2003
Proposals for health workers with communicable diseases outlined
The Health Department has published a consultation document outlining health clearance proposals for serious communicable diseases for new and re-entrant healthcare workers in the HPSS.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, welcoming the new proposals said: “The proposed changes in policy are not intended to prevent those infected with blood-borne viruses from working in the HPSS, but to stop them working in clinical areas where their infection may pose a risk to patients in their care.”
Included in the document, 'Health Clearance For Health Care Workers For Serious Communicable Diseases', are recommendations made by the Regional Working Group, which is chaired by Dr Ian Carson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. These recommendations set out proposals for pre-admission, pre-appointment health checks for serious communicable diseases for all health care workers new to the HPSS.
It also outlines the implications of those health professionals involved or intending to be involved in exposure prone procedures. The recommendations are consistent with existing policy, which imposes restrictions on the working practices of those known to be infectious carriers of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
The document has been prepared for consultation with the HPSS, the health professions, patient organisations, the independent health care sector and other relevant organisations.
The recommendations have been drafted in line with proposals agreed by the Advisory Group on Hepatitis and an expert Ad Hoc group, accepted by Ministers in England in April 2002.
The consultation period will end on the 5th of June 2003.
(GMcG)
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, welcoming the new proposals said: “The proposed changes in policy are not intended to prevent those infected with blood-borne viruses from working in the HPSS, but to stop them working in clinical areas where their infection may pose a risk to patients in their care.”
Included in the document, 'Health Clearance For Health Care Workers For Serious Communicable Diseases', are recommendations made by the Regional Working Group, which is chaired by Dr Ian Carson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. These recommendations set out proposals for pre-admission, pre-appointment health checks for serious communicable diseases for all health care workers new to the HPSS.
It also outlines the implications of those health professionals involved or intending to be involved in exposure prone procedures. The recommendations are consistent with existing policy, which imposes restrictions on the working practices of those known to be infectious carriers of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
The document has been prepared for consultation with the HPSS, the health professions, patient organisations, the independent health care sector and other relevant organisations.
The recommendations have been drafted in line with proposals agreed by the Advisory Group on Hepatitis and an expert Ad Hoc group, accepted by Ministers in England in April 2002.
The consultation period will end on the 5th of June 2003.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2024
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
12 November 2020
Everyone Responsible For Easing Pressure On Health Service - SF
There is a responsibility on everyone to help ease the pressure on the health service and health workers by following the public health advice, Sinn Féin's Colm Gildernew has said.
Everyone Responsible For Easing Pressure On Health Service - SF
There is a responsibility on everyone to help ease the pressure on the health service and health workers by following the public health advice, Sinn Féin's Colm Gildernew has said.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
06 January 2022
Health Minister Urged To Launch Next Health Workers Payment Scheme
The Health Minister has been urged to launch Phase 2 of the Special Recognition Payment for health workers who have previously left employment in the independent sector or agencies as soon as possible.
Health Minister Urged To Launch Next Health Workers Payment Scheme
The Health Minister has been urged to launch Phase 2 of the Special Recognition Payment for health workers who have previously left employment in the independent sector or agencies as soon as possible.
04 April 2024
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
