§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) who authorised the closure of the category 4 containment laboratory at Ruchill hospital, Glasgow; when the closure took place; what were the criteria for closing the laboratory; what public consultation took place; and if he will make a statement; [10693]
(2) what arrangements apply in Scotland for dealing with category 4 laboratory specimens; and what assessment he has made of the safety of (a) patients and (b) specimens. [10696]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonHazard group 4 covers the most pathogenic of the biological hazards which have required to be investigated in category 4 containment laboratories. The only organisms in the group that have been the subject of any laboratory investigations within the United Kingdom are those which cause viral haemorrhagic fever. During the time the category 4 containment laboratory at Ruchill hospital was open it was used very infrequently for the investigation of suspected category 4 organisms. Across the United Kingdom the vast majority of cases of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever have proved to be malaria. No case of viral haemorrhagic fever has ever been recorded in Scotland.
88WIn 1992, and acting on advice received from the Health and Safety Executive, it was agreed that a number of specific improvements required to be made if the facilities were to continue to operate at Ruchill. A sub-committee of the advisory group on infection was tasked to consider whether the required improvements should be made and, if not, what alternative arrangements needed to be put in place. The sub-committee recommended the closure of the high security clinical facility. The subsequent retirement of two of the staff who were skilled in the use of the category 4 laboratory precipitated the closure of the laboratory, which ceased to be operational early in 1995.
Interim guidance on the management of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever was issued in May 1995 from medical advisers within the Scottish Office Department of Health to all consultants involved in communicable diseases in Scotland. The guidance covered the arrangements for initiating laboratory investigations, for obtaining clinical advice or care and for the transportation of patients. Also included were details about the new locus to be approached following the withdrawal of the service from Ruchill. The principles outlined in the guidance have been incorporated into an updated guide on the control of viral haemorrhagic fever which the United Kingdom Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens has recently finalised. The new document entitled "Management Control of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers" is scheduled for publication later this month. I shall arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.