Staff health

Healthcare workers can be exposed to high levels of dangerous pathogens during their day-to-day tasks. Infection control techniques are in place to provide as much protection as possible, and everyone is aware of how important it is that such procedures are adhered to religiously.

However, it is also prudent to offer staff and patients another level of protection from potential infection, the maintenance of clinical staff's personal health.

On employment, it is the responsibility of management to ensure that all staff receive full health checks to ensure they are immunised according to current national guidelines, and do not carry any blood-borne viruses (BBVs).

The current policy for new entrants into the NHS is a full health screening test. The test looks for evidence of tuberculosis and the offer of hepatitis B immunisation. The individual is also offered testing for hepatitis C and HIV, which although not mandatory is offered within the context of their professional duties.