From Dr Ian King, FRCP, FFOM, Consultant Occupational Physician, St George’s, University of London
Health checks — Important new information for 2007 applicants
New guidance was issued by the Department of Health on Health Clearance for Medical Students in March 2007.
This guidance recommends that all medical students are offered a test for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C on entry to their course. I will organise for this to be carried out during your enrolment week. Before testing for these blood borne viruses you will be offered a chance for further discussion with someone if you wish. Testing is voluntary and so you may choose not to be tested. It is not necessary to be tested in order to complete your course successfully.
However you should be aware that if you choose not to be tested then you will not be able to take part in exposure prone procedures. These are not a necessary part of the course but, for instance, during a surgical rotation you will not be allowed to “scrub in” and assist. During your course you will have placements at various NHS Trusts. Some of these Trusts insist that all healthcare staff have had these tests. If you decide not to be tested then we will arrange your course so that you do not have placements in these Trusts.
All information regarding this testing will be treated confidentially with the proviso that some staff will need to be informed in order to make the necessary arrangements for you to complete your training safely.
More information will be available when you apply.
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