Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what staff have been designated to carry out the screening of passengers travelling from Ebola-affected countries; and what specific training such staff have received.

Screening is being carried out by Public Health England health protection practitioners (HPPs), with supervision from health protection consultants. The HPPs are supported by administrative staff for the collation of the health assessment forms, prior to the risk categorisation.

There is a clear evidence-based algorithm to follow for screening staff at ports. All of the screening staff members have had specific training on the guidelines. In addition, screening staff have also received a briefing (either face-to-face or in the form of a video) on the use of personal protective equipment, and have been trained in the correct use of a tympanic thermometer.

We have a planned programme of continuous quality improvement, incorporating learning to date from early implementation of the screening programme.