The Health of Travellers

This document is a position paper prepared by the Executive Board of the Faculty of Travel Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and has been distributed to all the UK and Republic of Ireland Departments of Health.  The document highlights that the practice of travel medicine is unregulated and therefore could be putting holidaymakers in danger.  Health of Travellers outlines a need to have policy changes, better education and better regulation of doctors and other health professionals giving advice on travel health.  To see the publication click on the image below or here.  To see the press statement see here.

Splenectomy Information

The information leaflet and card for patients who have either no, or a poorly functioning spleen have been republished and redesigned.  The wording on the leaflets states 'People without a functioning spleen are liable to overwhelming infection including pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis. After completing the details for yourself, or on behalf of your young child, please carry this card with you at all times so that paramedics and other health professionals are aware of your or your child’s, condition, should either of you be taken ill'. 

The card has space to record the following immunisations - Pneumococcal, Hib/Men C, Men ACWY, Men B, Influenza - as recommended in Chapter 7 of the Green Book.  For details about the leaflet and patient card, see here or click on the image below.