HEPATITIS C INFECTION FROM MEDICAL TREATMENT ABROAD

Early day motion 585, tabled 13 July 2005 by Janet Dean (Labour). Signed by 42 members.

That this House recognises that hepatitis C is a significant public health problem worldwide for which there is currently no vaccine; notes that patients can be infected for decades before being diagnosed; further notes that between 20 and 30 per cent. of people with chronic hepatitis C are likely to face life-threatening symptoms; is dismayed to learn that, despite the high risk of contracting hepatitis C through dental and other medical treatments overseas, there is currently no advice readily available to people informing them of the risk of infection through emergency or routine dental or medical treatment received overseas; and calls on the Government to include travel advice and information, such as that provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, in the current hepatitis C awareness campaign being conducted by the Department of Health.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 4, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.