The Scottish Government

Dear Colleague

GUIDANCE ON TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN MEDIA HANDLING IN NHSSCOTLAND

Prevention and control of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) is a high- profile priority issue for NHSScotland. A major 3- year programme of work was laid out in the SEHD Ministerial Action Plan on HAI, now being actioned by the Scottish HAI Task Force, of which I am the Chair. One of the priorities arising from the Action Plan and the Watt Report was to examine current arrangements for those involved in media handling in relation to outbreaks and incidents.

An effective working relationships with the media is a crucial issue for NHS Boards in relation to risk management, and forms an essential part of the practical management of outbreaks and incidents.

The attached guidance document is based on a report from an HAI Task Force multidisciplinary working group, chaired by Dr John Wrench, Director of Public Health at NHS Highland. This guidance lays out the tasks for NHS Boards in relation to principles underpinning interactions with the media (including issues of confidentiality), and practical issues around risk management and planning. There are also significant matters relating to education and training, which NHS Education Scotland has agreed to take forward.

I would ask that NHS Board Chief Executives distribute copies of this letter and the attached document to:

Divisional Chief Executives

• Medical and Nursing Directors
• Chairs of Risk Management committees (or equivalent)
• Chairs of Clinical Governance committess
• The Senior Infection Control Manager (per HDL 2001(10))
• Infection Control Teams

From the

Chief Medical

Officer

Dr E M Armstrong, FRCS(Ed) FRCP(Glas, Ed) FRCGP FFPH

______________________________

St. Andrew's House

Edinburgh EH1 3DG

Telephone 0131- 244 2836

Fax 0131- 244 2835

E-mail: cmo@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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Date 6 May 2004

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Ref SEHD/CMO(2004)7

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For action

To:

Chief Executives of NHS Boards

Chief Executive of The State Hospital

Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service

Chief Executive of the CSA

Directors of Public Health

Consultants in Public Health Medicine (CD&EH)

Directors of Communication, NHS Boards

Clinical Director, SCIEH

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For information

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Further enquiries

Mrs Margaret Tannahill

Project Leader Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force

Scottish Executive Health Department

St Andrew's House

Regent Road

Edinburgh EH1 3DG

E-mail:

Margaret.tannahill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

OR

Dr Peter Christie

Senior Medical Officer

Scottish Executive Health Department

St Andrew's House

Regent Road

Edinburgh EH1 3DG

E-mail:

Peter.christie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk