A major query has been raised by union members over the following, and I
would be grateful for any thoughts on the issue:
A member of staff has complained that his manager was informed of his
immunity status to MMR( ie negative and therefore requiring a booster).
The Manager needed this information before the employee could be allowed to
carry out certain work. At no time was he told the actual antibody
results, nor was the individual's record seen. He was simply informed that
the individual needed to make an appointment with Occupational Health for
an appointment for a booster.
The member of staff subsequently complained that there had been a breach of
confidentiality by Occupational Health because the Manager had been
informed of the immunisation status first. Occasionally this may occur if
the Manager enquires whether the person is cleared to work yet in the
specific area. Usually, the individual is called for an appointment as
soon as the results are received.
If this were the case, under the auspices of Health & Safety, how can
Occupational Health inform a Manager that a new employee is cleared to work
in a particular area, if they cannot assure them that the individual's
immune status for that work is established.
This may seem a bit long-winded but it is a difficult issue to explain - or
perhaps somebody out there has a straight-forward and simple explanation -
please!?!?
Maralyn Cohen
Occupational Health Advisor
National Institute for Biological Standards and Control
Blanche Lane
South Mimms
Potters Bar
Herts EN6 3QG
Tel: 01707 654753
Fax: 01707 660758
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