§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what dangers her Department has identified in the use of certain types of rubber gloves used by health service workers; what assessment her Department has made of allergic reactions caused by the use of rubber surgical gloves used by health service workers; and what advice her Department gives to DHAs as to the purchasing of rubber surgical gloves. [24580]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department is investigating claims of an apparent increase in the incidence of latex sensitivity in the last two years. The Medical Devices Agency is consulting experts in the field and reviewing survey information from other countries. A safety notice will be issued shortly drawing attention to the fact of latex sensitivity. Health authorities and national health service trusts are advised to buy surgeon's gloves and examination gloves which meet the Department's specification and quality standards, as do all such gloves supplied through the national and divisional contracts of the NHS Supplies Authority. Non-latex gloves are available under those contracts, if required.