New Call To Londoners Exposed To 7/7 Bombings To Join Health Follow-up

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism;  Public Health
Article Date: 12 Mar 2006 - 17:00 PDT

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Londoners and visitors to the Capital exposed to the July bombings last year are being urged to support a public health follow-up.

Organised by the Health Protection Agency, the follow-up is part of the overall health response to the explosions in London on July 7. Although the assessment of the risk of long-term adverse health effects as a result of exposure during the bombings is low, health professionals at the Health Protection Agency believe that it is important that any health consequences that do occur as a result of the bombings are accurately documented. This will not only ensure that those involved can be provided with further health advice as necessary, but will also provide vital information that can help to protect the wellbeing of those involved in any future incidents.

Everyone directly exposed to fumes, smoke, blood or blast effects from the explosions in the Capital on July 7 last year is being asked to join the follow-up, and also anyone in the immediate vicinity or helping in the emergency response in the following locations:

-- On trains on the Piccadilly or Circle lines at or near Edgware Road , Kings Cross, Liverpool Street and Russell Square stations

-- On platforms and escalators, and in lifts, ticket halls or passage ways at any of the above stations

-- In Tavistock Square

The follow-up will also include NHS, Transport for London and Emergency Service staff involved in the emergency response on July 7.

Professor Mike Catchpole , who is co-ordinating the public health follow-up for the Agency, said:

"This is an important element of the public health response to the tragic events in the Capital last July. Experience from similar incidents in New York and Madrid has shown the immense value of a co-ordinated health follow-up.

"Just over 100 people, the majority of whom were treated in A&E on the day, have already volunteered to take part in the follow-up work to help us monitor longer-term health issues such as the inhalation of smoke and the psychological impact. But we are keen to ensure that everyone caught up in the events of last July, especially people who may have visited their GP or called NHS Direct for advice, is contacted and offered the opportunity to join.

"Not only will it allow them to be kept up to date with information and support services, the regular follow-up they will be involved in will help us provide advice to others in the event of any future incidents in the UK ."

A new information leaflet is available for all who were directly exposed in the July 7 bombings at the locations listed above. Please call 020 8327 6434 or e-mail london.response@hpa.org.uk to request a copy.

Inclusion in the follow-up is entirely voluntary and all personal information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with others unless permission is given. Once consent is granted, a detailed questionnaire will be sent to participants.

To ensure participants are updated on any advice and services available, the Health Protection Agency is working with hospital doctors and other specialists offering advice and support for those involved in the July 7 bombings. The Agency is also working with the London Development Centre for Mental Health, which is responsible for the NHS Trauma Response services which are providing psychological support for those involved in the London bombings.

http://www.hpa.org.uk

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