§ Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) the London Boroughs of (i) Newham and (ii) Brent and (b) the Department for Education and Skills on tuberculosis. [106560]
§ Ms BlearsThe London TB Group, which includes representatives front the London Boroughs of Newham and Brent, meets on a regular basis.
One of the aims of the Newham scrutiny commission on tuberculosis is to improve awareness of tuberculosis (TB) through education in conjunction with the Department for Education and Skills. Newham hosted a World TB Day conference on 24 and 25 March this year with the theme 'People with TB'.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to help local health authorities in(a) improving early referral and (b) proactive screening of high risk groups for tuberculosis; and what form proactive screening of high risk groups for tuberculosis by local health authorities will take. [106561]
§ Ms BlearsPrimary care trusts (PCTs) have their own arrangements in place for screening and referral of patients in high-risk categories for tuberculosis (TB).
The forthcoming TB Action Plan aims to issue standardised advice for all PCTs to follow.