§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent precautions have been taken by the NHS for dealing with a mass casualty terrorist incident. [88394]
§ Mr. HuttonThe planning for the response to a mass casualty incident involves the scaling up of the normal response to a major incident. Following the September 11 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, specific guidance was issued to the national health service on the public health response to the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, mass decontamination and mass casualties.
The Department has made available, through the emergency planning section of its website, www.doh.gov.uk/epcu a comprehensive package of guidance for clinicians on dealing with the consequences 287WS of deliberate release. The information is regularly updated. The website contains a link to the Public Health Laboratory Service website, which provides additional clinical and other information.
288WSAdditional arrangements have been put in place for the provision of decontamination units and protective equipment for NHS staff and strategic stockpiles of medical supplies and other equipment.