§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken by his Department to educate doctors about organophosphate poisoning; and if he will make a statement. [23177]
§ Mr. HoramMedical education is principally a matter for the medical profession. However, the Department is drawing the attention of the profession to the concerns over training of doctors in the recognition of organophosphate poisoning.
The Department has published a book, "Pesticide Poisoning Notes for the Guidance of Medical Practitioners", which was sent to all general practitioners. A revised and enlarged edition is about to be published. It gives guidance on the clinical symptoms, first aid treatment, indications for referral to hospital, hospital management, and sources of further advice relevant to poisoning by pesticides and related veterinary medicines including those containing organophosphates. In addition, the chief medical officer wrote in 1991 and 1993 to all doctors in England to alert them to the possibility of exposure to pesticides and certain veterinary medicines and to remind them of the reporting schemes for cases of suspected poisoning. They were further reminded that advice on poisoning was available from the employment medical advisory service and the Department of Health book "Pesticide poisoning notes for the guidance of medical practitioners". Also, an article in the October 1995 edition of the chief medical officer's update which is sent to all doctors dealt with the problems related to the use of organophosphate sheep dips.