This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Smallpox contingency plan published
14/05/2004
The Executive today published revised guidelines for
dealing with a smallpox emergency in Scotland.
Guidelines for Smallpox Response and Management in
Scotland in the Post-Eradication Era is a revision of the
interim document published for discussion and comments in
2002.
It takes into account views expressed in that process
and has been developed in line with arrangements being made
across the UK.
The Guidelines - also referred to as 'the plan' - are
designed to assist those involved in the planning for any
possible Smallpox emergency.
In order to be an effective practical precautionary tool
it is intended that guidelines should be kept under regular
review and the Smallpox Implementation Planning Group
(SIPG) plays a crucial role in taking into account the
needs of Scotland within a UK context.
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"While there is no evidence of a specific threat of
Smallpox attacks on the United Kingdom, it is important
and prudent to ensure that health services in Scotland can
deal effectively with any potential threat.
"This revised plan is part of the Executive's
arrangements for dealing with bioterrorism. The guidelines
sets out the arrangements to be followed in responding to a
Smallpox incident. As part of the planning approach the
guidelines will continue to be considered and reviewed,
enabling NHSScotland and partner agencies to responsed to
any threat or incident."
The plan is one of the components of the Executive's
arrangements for responding to a possible smallpox
emergency, in line with UK-wide civil contingencies
planning, which also includes preparing a group of
immunised staff who could deal safely with any potential
smallpox cases.
In responding to an emergency, vaccinated staff would be
a vital part of the strategy for handling suspected or
confirmed cases, delivering care and treatment and,
containing and 'ring vaccinating' around any outbreak.
The Executive works with NHSScotland, Scottish Centre
for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH), the
Department of Health, the Health Protection Agency and
other key organisations in order to plan for dealing with
public health emergencies.