Citation

Hayward M. J. Nurs. Manag. 2003; 11(3): 197-207.

Affiliation

Acute Medicine, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, UK. mrmrhayward@ntlworld.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12694367

Abstract

AIM: This paper aims to explore the management structures and issues surrounding the United Kingdom (UK) health services' preparedness and ability to effectively deal with major incidents involving bioterrorism. BACKGROUND: Recent reports and expert opinion have suggested that the health service response to terrorist incidents involving weapons of mass destruction are insufficient and ill-prepared. KEY ISSUES: Lack of clear guidance and parity across the UK, poor targeting of information, inadequate and insufficient equipment, under-resourcing, and unsatisfactory training are key factors that contribute to a worrying state of frontline unpreparedness. CONCLUSIONS: Health service managers need to capitalize on the Government's current concern about the threat of a bioterrorist attack and ensure that their departments are sufficiently equipped, and that their personnel are adequately educated and trained, to deal with any such incident. Better guidance needs to be produced and distributed to front line healthcare workers.

Language: en