When a student has a communicable (infectious and transmissible) or notifiable disease
What should you be aware of?
Living, studying, working and travelling in London means exposure to communicable diseases and is considered a normal risk. ‘Communicable disease’ is a term used to describe diseases that can be spread between human beings (and sometimes spread via other carriers such as mosquitos). In rare cases, these diseases can cause serious illnesses and pose a public health risk – these are called ‘notifiable’ diseases and can include Measles and Tuberculosis.
The diagnosis of a notifiable disease is a clinical decision made by a medical Doctor, usually at a GP surgery, walk-in centre or A&E unit. If someone feels unwell or suspects they may have a serious condition call for a First Aider on 020 8411 6200.
The First Aider will assess the person and, if necessary, consult with NHS Direct for advice. This may result in the person being given advice or being transferred to A&E. Should a notifiable disease be diagnosed , the University Health and Safety Unit will liaise with Public Health England to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect and advise people at the University.
Information on communicable and notifiable diseases can be found on the Public Health England (http://www.gov.uk/guidance/notifiable-diseases-and-causative-organisms-how-to-report ) and NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx ) websites, but please remember if someone suspects or confirms they have a notifiable disease, or if they are feeling unwell, always call a First Aider.
What should you do?
Contact First Aid on 020 8411 6200
Explain that you need first aid to assist an unwell student/member of staff, or to report a case (or potential case) of a communicable disease.
Please note the following:
— try to have key information to hand when you make this call, such as information about the student’s current whereabouts.
— the student’s name, student ID, and contact details (phone numbers are particularly helpful).
— whether the student has already received a diagnosis and which parts of the NHS they have already engaged with.
What happens next?
The Duty First Aider may provide you with some initial actions to take. However, it is more likely that they will look into the matter and come back to you. The Duty First Aider will contact the University Health and Safety Unit, who will be the primary contact with Public Health England.
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