Notification of Infectious Diseases

Under the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 (as amended), GPs are required to notify the proper officer of the local authority when they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that a patient:

• has a notifiable disease as listed in Schedule 1 of the Act;
• has an infection (not listed in Schedule 1) which, in the view of the GP presents, or could present, a significant harm to human health; or
• is contaminated in a manner which, in the view of the GP, presents or could present significant harm to human health.

There was previously a nominal fee set out in the Act for such notification, however this fee has now been removed by recent regulations. Nevertheless, GPs must still continue to notify. The BMA was consulted on the removal of the fee and objected to it. However, the legislative change was made.

The Claire Wand Fund

The Claire Wand Fund is a trust working to provide grants for research and the further education of doctors working in general practice. Grants can be given towards the cost of administrative assistance, for stationery costs, conference fees, dissemination of information and travel costs if the project cannot be undertaken in the UK. Awards are generally granted for sums up to £2,000 and trustees meet in May and December to consider applications. To apply please contact the Secretary, Mrs Jane Cope, Claire Wand Fund, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP. Email: Clairewandfund@bma.org.uk.