Review of the management of health care workers with blood borne viruses

Kate Biedrzycki

The responsibility for the management of public health issues associated with health care workers infected with blood borne viruses sits with the Department of Health. This sensitive process balances the protection of the health of the public whilst supporting and empowering health care workers to actively manage their health and professional practice. Professional registration boards and employers work alongside the Department of Health to implement the process and support health care workers. There are also a number of external issues such as legal considerations which are shaping the current climate of risk management for this process.

SACHRU was asked to review the process of managing infected health care workers in consultation with external stakeholders in April 2007. A draft report is currently being drafted for consideration by the Department of Health.