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)