Screening delay brings HIV risk

Patients are being put at risk of catching HIV from healthcare workers while the Government delays screening new NHS staff.

A government expert group said more than two years ago that all new staff coming into the NHS should have checks for TB and hepatitis B and be immunised if necessary.

In addition, any doctors and nurses involved in procedures ranging from injections to surgery should have HIV and hepatitis tests and be able to prove they are negative.

The plans were consulted on but nothing has happened in two years.

The news comes as the Conservatives said they would screen immigrants, including health workers and teachers, for HIV.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "It's unacceptable that patients remain at risk because of the Government's failure to take action."

Lib-Dem health spokesman Paul Burstow said: "The question that has to be asked is, how many patients have been infected or put at risk of serious diseases while ministers have dithered and delayed?"