HC Deb 04 March 2003 vol 400 cc996-7W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when(a) he, (b) the head of the tuberculosis unit of the Public Health Laboratory Service and (c) senior officials from his Department last met NHS trust executives of areas with recorded rates of tuberculosis higher than the national average. [100507]

Ms Blears

Departmental officials met with national key stakeholders, including the Public Health Laboratory Service, on 30 September in London and 25 October in Leeds to review the strategic national plan to deal with tuberculosis in all areas.

Mr. Mark Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are made to inoculate NHS staff against TB. [98627]

Ms Blears

Guidance entitled "Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis at Local Level June 1996" documents the occupational health policy for national health service staff and tuberculosis:

`pre-employment—All staff in regular contact with patients or handling specimens, including laboratory workers, agency staff and locums, should be screened and offered protection with BCG vaccine according to BTS guidelines'.