This is interesting, I think I would apply the risk and hazard approach,
yes there might be a hazard of HIV but what is the risk of them passing
it on in the kinds of work they will be doing if non EPP then I imagine
highly unlikely.
I suppose the other issue is a general health issue and maybe that
should be down to the individual once they have been informed of all the
implications, they should decide if testing would be in there own best
interests.
Hope useful
Sara
-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Raybone [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 11 February 2004 13:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: HIV testing
Hello all,
can I put a real ethical question to you, especially my NHS colleagues?
We undertake screening for an organisation that provides health care
workers throughout various care organisations. A large majority of these
HCW's have come into the UK from South Africa where I believe the
prevalence of HIV infection is approximately 1 in 3. However we do not
offer HIV testing at pre-employment. Now comes the difficult bit!
The draft document 'Health Clearance for Serious Communicable
Diseases:New Health care Workers' has not really helped as it seems
nothing further has moved with this document.
Whilst we test for TB immunity from an endemic country, can or should
the same apply to a country where the incidence of HIV is so high? Could
this be seen as having racial undertones? Is it discriminating?
Obviously any HCW has a moral and ethical duty and obligation to notify
such infections, but there have been cases where a questionnaire is full
of 'no' answers yet the truth is somewhat different.
I have no real thoughts on what would be ideal here, and just wanted to
get a flavour of what others think or do.
Look forward to hearing from you,
regards,
Glenn Raybone
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