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Latest News

No random drug tests for doctors

by Personnel Today 12 Mar 2001
by Personnel Today 12 Mar 2001

The
NHS Confederation and the Department of Health have denied a report that
doctors and nurses face random testing for drink and drugs under plans being
drawn up by NHS trusts.

An
article in the Sunday Observer claimed the NHS Confederation, which represents
NHS trusts, had confirmed the proposals were being introduced as part of a
review of work safety procedures.

But
a spokesman for the NHS Confederation told Personnel Today this was not the
case.

She
said, “It is highly unlikely that random drug testing would ever be introduced
nationally in the form of a Department of Health of directive.

“Random
testing should not be introduced arbitrarily, that would be counter productive.
It should be agreed with staff organisations.

“If
the issue has to be addressed it will be through some overall guidance as part
of an occupational health approach to substance abuse.”

A
Department of Health spokesman, commented, “The Department of Health has
absolutely no plans whatsoever to introduce any form of drug testing amongst
any members of staff in the NHS. All staff have access to occupational health
services which offer advice, support and rehabilitation on drug and alcohol
problems.”

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Personnel Today

Personnel Today articles are written by an expert team of award-winning journalists who have been covering HR and L&D for many years. Some of our content is attributed to "Personnel Today" for a number of reasons, including: when numerous authors are associated with writing or editing a piece; or when the author is unknown (particularly for older articles).

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Personnel Today
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