Frequently asked questions

Sharps injuries can be hazardous; there are several blood-borne infections which can cause long term health problems that can be transmitted by sharps, namely Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

If you have a sharps injury, human bite or splash of bodily fluids in the eye, please report this to the person in charge at your placement. You must then adhere to the current policy of your placement.

If your tutor has concerns regarding your health which may affect your fitness to practice status, they may, with your consent refer you to Student Occupational Health. An appointment will be sent to you to see our occupational health physician. After your consultation, the Dr will write a medical report outlining any issues raised and any appropriate actions/adjustments if required. A copy will be made available to you. If the Dr requires further information, he will obtain your consent to write to your GP or consultant. Please note if you do not attend the appointment, it could affect your ability to attend clinical placements.

If an employee is new to the NHS (including students) or has no (or inconclusive) evidence of prior BCG vaccination, a Mantoux or interferon-gamma test should be performed. (NICE Clinical Guideline 33, March 2006)

At your health screening assessment the nurse will advise you on the immunisations that you require.

All the immunisations that we currently give are safe to give together, in accordance with the Green Book 2006.

You may be prevented from attending placements and be asked to attend an appointment with our Occupational Health Physician.

You are allowed to commence your placements even though you may not have completed your course of immunisations. The nurse will advise you on any precautions you may be required to make.

Around 10 to 15% of adults fail to respond to three doses of vaccine or respond poorly. Poor responses are mostly associated with age over 40 years, obesity and smoking (Roome et al., 1993)

Please contact the Department and discuss your concerns with the nursing staff.

The intake of alcohol is not contraindicated following an immunisation. While there may be some discomfort in your arm, this should not prevent you from undertaking exercise.

You can replace your forms by downloading replacements from the Student website

If you have an interruption from your course you will be required to submit a new health declaration form and GP form.  If your reason for interruption was medical/health related, then you may be required to attend an appointment with our occupational health physician/nurse.