§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient supplies of the new vaccine to protect staff and patients from the effects of infective hepatitis in those areas where there has been a recent outbreak of the disease;
(2) whether, in view of the spread of infective hepatitis at certain hospitals, he is satisfied with the present vaccination policy in long stay hospitals;
(3) whether, in view of the spread of infective hepatitis at certain hospitals, he is satisfied with the admissions policy to hospitals.
§ Mr. John PattenThere is no vaccine against infective hepatitis (Hepatitis A). In the event of outbreaks in establishments providing residential care, for example, long stay hospitals, temporary protection for staff and patients is readily available from the public health laboratory service in the form of normal immunoglobulin. Decisions about admission of individual patients are for the clinicians concerned. I am having inquiries made about the situation in the hon. Member's constituency and will write to her.