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An educational resource for health protection leads
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 Planning, delivering and evaluating workshops for health board and local authority staff responsible for implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act
© NES 2009
Published November 2009
NHS Education for ScotlandCentral OfficesThistle House91 Haymarket TerraceEdinburghEH12 5HETel: 0131 313 8000Fax: 0131 313 8001
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Contents
Introduction 1
Item1.SummaryofParts3,4,5and6 3
Item2.Description,rationale,aimsandobjectivesofworkshop 5
Item3.Workshopaimsandobjectivesforparticipants 7
Item4.Letterofinvitation 9
Item5.Workshoppreparatoryreadingpackage 11
Item6.Sampleworkshopprogramme 13
Item7.Interactivegroupsessions–discussiontopicsforfacilitators 15
Item8.Interactivegroupsessions–discussiontopicsforparticipants 25
Item9.Workshopevaluationform 29
Item10.Statementofattendance 33
Annex.Workshopinfrastructure,planninganddelivery 35
A1.AdvicesheetforworkshopChair 41
A2.Generaladvicesheetforworkshopfacilitators 43
A3.Workshopvenue“checklist” 45
ResourceCD 47
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Introduction
Intro
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Introduction
ThisresourcehasbeenpreparedbyNHSEducationforScotland(NES)andHealthProtectionScotland(HPS)tosupporthealthboardsandlocalauthoritiesintheimplementationofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008.
The ActThePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008updatesthelawonpublichealth.TheAct:
• sets out the responsibilities of Scottish Ministers, health boards and local authorities to protect public health from infectious disease, contamination or other health hazard (Part 1);
• updates arrangements for the statutory notification of specific infectious diseases by registered medical practitioners and introduces new statutory obligations on the directors of diagnostic laboratories to notify specific organisms (Part 2);
• sets out the powers available to investigate public health incidents or outbreaks and the circumstances in which these powers might be used (Part 3);
• sets out the powers available to health boards to protect public health where there is a significant risk to public health and how these powers might be used (Part 4);
• sets out the powers available to local authorities to protect public health from infection or contamination arising in premises or things on premises (Part 5);
• updates the powers available to health boards and local authorities to protect the public against risks arising from bodies (Part 6);
• provides a power to make regulations to protect public health from risks arising from vehicles arriving in or leaving Scotland (that is, updating the current Ships and Aircraft Regulations) (Part 7);
• regulates the use, sale and hire of sunbeds (Part 8); and• updates the statutory nuisance regime of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 (Part 9).
Abriefsummaryofparts3–6oftheAct,drawnfromthenationalguidance,ispresentedasItem1inthisresource.FurtherinformationontheActanditsimplementation,includingthetimelineforintroduction,canbeaccessedat:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/publicact
TheActwillbefullyimplementedby1January2010.
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WhilethisresourcewillgiveanoverviewoftheActanditsimplementation,theScottishGovernmenthasrequestedthatitfocusspecificallyon:
• Part 3: Public Health Investigations• Part 4: Public Health Functions of Health Boards• Part 5: Public Health Functions of Local Authorities• Part 6: Mortuaries etc.
PersonnelinhealthboardsandlocalauthoritieswhoareresponsibleforimplementingtheActaresupportedbynationalguidance,whichcanbeaccessedat:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/publicact/Implementation/Timetable3333
Resource aimsTheaimofthiseducationalresourceistosupporteffortsbyhealthprotectionleadsinhealthboardsandlocalauthoritiestoensurethatthehealth protection workforce attains a level of preparedness and competence in relation to their powers and duties under the Act.
Itdoessobyprovidingarangeofresourcesandtemplatestofacilitate the design, implementation and evaluation of local workshops for the health protection workforce staged by health boards and local authorities (either individually or collaboratively).
Healthboardsandlocalauthoritiesarefree,ofcourse,toadaptthematerialstosuittheirownlocalcircumstancesandexperiencesofhealthprotectionissues.
The resource will be supported by other resources that are being developed by NES and HPS.
Resource CDYou will find a CD inserted in the last section of the resource. This disk contains supportive resources that can be used by workshop organisers in planning, delivering and evaluating the workshop. The items that appear on the disk are listed at the end of the resource.
Item 1.Summary of Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6
Item
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Item 1. Summary of Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6
Part 3: Public Health InvestigationsWhat does Part 3 do?Themajorityofpublichealthincidentscanbeinvestigatedwithoutusingstatutorypowers.However,Part3ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008(“theAct”)setsoutabroadrangeofinvestigatorypowerswhichareavailableifthedefinedcircumstancessetoutinthispartoftheActoccur,andwheretherearereasonablegroundstosuspectthatthereis,orislikelytobe,asignificantrisktopublichealth.Thepowersincludepowerofentry,powertoaskquestionsandpowertotakesamplesforanalysisetc.Ifnecessary,aninvestigatorcanapplyforawarranttoenterpremisesandcarryouttheinvestigationfromthelocalJPorsheriff,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Part3alsomakesprovisionaboutoffencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Part 4: Public Health Functions of Health BoardsWhat does Part 4 do?Part4setsoutabroadrangeofpowersavailabletohealthboardstoprotectpublichealth.ThesereplacemanyofthepowerswhichwerepreviouslytheresponsibilityoflocalauthoritieswithinputfromtheDesignatedMedicalOfficerofthehealthboard.Existingpowersthatarebeingtransferredfromlocalauthoritiestohealthboardsinclude:theexclusionofpersonsfromworkandschool(nowextendedtocoveranyspecificcommunitysetting);applicationtoasheriffforanorderforapersontobemedicallyexaminedortoberemovedanddetainedinhospital.Newpowersforhealthboardsincludethepowertorestrictpersons’activitiesinordertopreventthespreadofinfectiousdiseaseorcontamination;powertoquarantineindividualsandpowertorequireapersontobedisinfected,disinfestedordecontaminatedaspartofaquarantineordetentionorder.Compensationisavailableforthosesufferinglossasaresultofcomplyingwithhealthprotectionaction.
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Part 5: Public Health Functions of Local AuthoritiesWhat does Part 5 do?Part5outlinesthepowersavailabletolocalauthoritiestoorder,ortoundertake,arangeofpublichealthmeasuresinrelationtopremisesandthingstoprevent,orpreventthespreadof,infectiousdiseaseorcontamination.Themeasuresincludedisinfection,disinfestationanddecontamination.Theuseofthepowersmayfollowonfromaninvestigationintoapublichealthincident,asdescribedinPart3oftheAct,oronsuspicionorknowledgeofinfection,infestationorcontaminationthroughanyothermeans.AlocalauthoritymayapplytoalocalJPorsheriffforawarranttoenterpremises,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Aspartoftheirstatutoryresponsibilities,localauthoritieshaveadutytoprovide,orensuretheprovisionof,thefacilitiesorequipmentnecessarytodisinfect,disinfestordecontaminatepremisesorthings,thedestructionofsuchthingsandthemeansoftransportingthingstofacilitiesandequipment.
Part5alsomakesprovisionaboutappeals,offencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Part 6: Mortuaries etc.What does Part 6 do?Sections90,92and93[ofPart6]updatecurrentstatutoryprovisionrestrictingthereleaseofinfectedbodiesfromhospitalandthedisposalofbodiesretainedinpremises,inordertoavoidorminimiseasignificantrisktopublichealth.Ifnecessary,asheriff’sordercanbeappliedfor.Section91placesadutyonhealthboardstonotifythoseresponsibleforthepreparationanddisposalofbodies,wherethereareparticularriskstopublichealthfrominfectionorcontamination,ofthenatureofthatriskandanyprecautionswhichshouldbetaken.“Disposal”meansburialorcremation,andincludespreparationofthebodyforburialorcremation,includingpreparationsrequiredbyreligiousobservance,suchasthosegenerallyundertakenforJewishpeople,forMuslims,SikhsandHindusetc.
[Sections87−89,whichconcernthestatutoryresponsibilityformortuaryprovision,wereimplementedon1April2009.]
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Item 2.Description, rationale, aims
and objectives of workshop
Item
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Item 2. Description, rationale, aims and objectives of workshop
This item presents for workshop organisers a rationale for the workshop. It also sets out the aims and objectives from which potential participants will be able to assess workshop content against their learning needs.
The workshop titleTheworkshopiscalled:
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
What is the workshop?TheworkshopwillprovidegeneralinformationonthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008asawhole,butfocusesontheimplementationofspecificsectionsoftheAct(andassociatedguidance)thathaveparticularrelevancetothehealthprotectionworkforceinhealthboardsandlocalauthorities.
Thesectionsare:
• Part 3: Public Health Investigations• Part 4: Public Health Functions of Health Boards• Part 5: Public Health Functions of Local Authorities• Part 6: Mortuaries etc.
What are the aims and objectives of the workshop?Theaimsoftheworkshopareto:
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a knowledge of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008;
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a working knowledge of if, when and how they may utilise the powers contained in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act; and
• highlight the role of the “Competent Person” designated within health boards and local authorities.
Thespecific objectivesarethat,followingattendingandactivelyparticipatingintheworkshop,participantswill:
1. understand the Act, as a whole;2. have an understanding/insight into the situations which might
necessitate the use of the powers in Parts 3–6 of the Act, including the role of the “Competent Person” in such situations; and
3. be able to use the Scottish Government guidance as a practical resource in public health incidents and outbreaks.
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Iftheworkshopisorganisedinawiderhealthprotectionteamsetting,itwillalsostrengthennetworkswithinthehealthprotectioncommunityacrosshealthboards,localauthoritiesandotherrelevantstakeholders.
AversionoftheseaimsandobjectivesthatcanbedistributedtoparticipantsinadvanceoftheeventorintheworkshopwelcomepacksispresentedatItem3.
Who should attend?Ideally,thefull-dayworkshopshouldberunforallrelevantmembersofthewiderhealthprotectionteaminanarea,butthestructureoftheworkshopofferssufficientflexibilitytoensurethatitcanbetailoredtotheindividualneedsofparticulargroupsofstaff,practiceareas,healthboardsandlocalauthorities.
TheworkshopwillberelevanttoallmembersofthehealthprotectionworkforceinhealthboardsandlocalauthoritieswhoaredefinedashavingresponsibilitiesundertheAct.Thiswillinclude:
• health protection leads in health boards and local authorities• consultants in public health medicine• directors of public health• chief environmental health officers• environmental health officers• health protection and public health nurses• microbiologists• emergency planners• press and communications officers• other members of the wider health protection team, such as staff
from the water authority, veterinary service and the Health and Safety Executive
• others as identified by health protection leads.
AtemplateletterofinvitationseekingnominationsforparticipationispresentedasItem4.
What do participants need to do before attending?ParticipantsshouldbeaskedtoreadtheScottishGovernmentguidancematerialswhichcanbeaccessedthroughtheweblinksprovidedatItem5.
Item 3.Workshop aims and
objectives for participants
Item
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Item 3. Workshop aims and objectives for participants
This item can be printed out and presented to participants either in advance of the event with the workshop invitation or in the preparatory reading package (see Item 4), or on the day in the welcome packs.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
What is the workshop?TheworkshopwillprovidegeneralinformationonthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008asawhole,butfocusesontheimplementationofspecificsectionsoftheAct(andassociatedguidance)thathaveparticularrelevancetothehealthprotectionworkforceinhealthboardsandlocalauthorities.Thesectionsare:
• Part 3: Public Health Investigations• Part 4: Public Health Functions of Health Boards• Part 5: Public Health Functions of Local Authorities• Part 6: Mortuaries etc.
What are the aims and objectives of the workshop?Theaimsoftheworkshopareto:
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a knowledge of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008;
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a working knowledge of if, when and how they may utilise the powers contained in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act; and
• highlight the role of the “Competent Person” designated within health boards and local authorities.
Thespecificobjectivesarethat,followingattendingandactivelyparticipatingintheworkshop,youwill:
1. understand the Act, as a whole;2. have an understanding/insight into the situations which might
necessitate the use of the powers in Parts 3–6 of the Act, including the role of the “Competent Person” in such situations; and
3. be able to use the Scottish Government guidance as a practical resource in public health incidents and outbreaks.
Iftheworkshopisorganisedinawiderhealthprotectionteamsetting,itwillalsostrengthennetworkswithinthehealthprotectioncommunityacrosshealthboards,localauthoritiesandotherrelevantstakeholders.
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Item 4.Letter of invitation
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Item 4. Letter of invitation
The following text can be used or amended to issue invitations to key health protection leads to select nominees for workshop participation.
Dearcolleague
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
ImplementationofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008hasimplicationsforthehealthprotectionworkforcein name of health board/local authority .Itisvitalthattheworkforceunderstandstheextentandutilityofthosepowersandresponsibilitiessotheycanexercisethemtobesteffectforthebenefitofthepopulationsweserve.
Tothisend,Iwouldliketoinviteyoutonominate number of places ofyourstaffmemberstoattenda one-day workshopbeingheldat venue on date .
WhiletheworkshopwillprovidegeneralinformationontheActasawhole,itwillfocusspecificallyonthepowersandfunctionsthathaveparticularrelevancetothehealthprotectionworkforceinhealthboardsandlocalauthorities−Parts3,4,5and6oftheAct.
Aprogrammeandaimsandobjectives,thelatterofwhichspecifiesthecategoriesofstaffwhowillmostbenefitfromattendingtheworkshop,areenclosed.
ThedaywillofferanintroductoryoverviewfollowedbyinteractivefacilitatedsessionsatwhichyourstaffwillbeabletodiscusswithcolleaguestheimplicationsofimplementingtheActfortheirprofessionalpractice.Astatementofattendancewillbeawardedtoeachparticipantatthecloseoftheworkshop.
IbelievethisworkshopoffersanopportunitytobuildthecompetenceandconfidenceofourhealthprotectionworkforceandtohelpensurethatthepowersconferredbytheActareappropriatelyimplementedforthepublicgood.Iverymuchlookforwardtogreetingyourstaffontheday.
Yourssincerely
DesignatedHealthProtectionLead
To register your staff for the workshop, contact: contact details
Following registration, participants can access important resources related to the workshop theme via a specified website.
Enc.Workshopprogramme;aimsandobjectives
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Item 5.Workshop preparatory
reading package
Item
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Item 5. Workshop preparatory reading package
This item presents the materials that registered participants should read in advance of the workshop.
• Scottish Government Implementation Guidance on Parts 3−6 of the Act, available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/publicact/Implementation/Timetable3333;
• The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 Designation of Competent Persons Regulations 2009, available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/publicact/Act2008/SubordinateLegislation
PDFsofbothoftheseitemscanbefoundintheResourceCD.
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Item 6.Sample workshop programme
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Item 6. Sample workshop programme
The following is presented as a sample programme for the workshop. It is presented as a whole-day event which can, if necessary, be shortened and adapted to meet local needs and the composition of the workshop group, or to be incorporated within routine health protection team meetings. The Resource CD enclosed within this resource contains a sample PowerPoint presentation for the plenary presentation and backdrop and information screens that can used by the Chair during the workshop; again, these can be adapted to meet local needs.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
[DATE AND VENUE]
09.00 Registrationandcoffee
09.30 WelcomeandintroductionfromtheWorkshopChair;reinforcementofworkshopaimsandobjectives
09.45 Presentation:Settingthescene–theActanditsimplementation
10.15 Introductiontointeractivegroupsessions(WorkshopChair)(fourgroupscreated,eachhavingtheopportunitytoattendallfoursessions)
10.30 Interactivegroupsessions1(GroupsA−D)
11.30 Coffee
11.45 Interactivegroupsessions2(GroupsA−D)
12.45 Lunch
13.45 Interactivegroupsessions3(GroupsA−D)
14.45 Interactivegroupsessions4(GroupsA−D)
15.45 Plenarysessionwithfeedbackfromgroupfacilitators
16.15 Chair’sclosingremarksandevaluation
16.30 Close
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Item
7.
Item 7.Interactive group sessions –
discussion topics for facilitators
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Item 7. Interactive group sessions – discussion topics for facilitators
The following can be offered to workshop facilitators in advance of the interactive group sessions to advise them on how to trigger discussions within the group and keep discussions on track.
Specific advice for facilitators for each group discussionTheinteractivegroupsessionsaredesignedtoenableparticipantsto:
• learn from each other about the topic under discussion;• actively participate with their own views and experiences; and• arrive at an agreed position on the topic at the end of the discussion,
or being clear about differences where they exist.
Thereareliabletobefewerthantenparticipantsateachgroupdiscussion.
ThemainchallengeforinteractivegroupsessionfacilitatorswillbekeepingparticipantsfocusedonthespecificPartsoftheAct,andnotallowingthemtomeanderintootherareas.Themainbenefittotheparticipantswillbegainedbyfocusingontheirandothers’powersandresponsibilitiesinrelationtothePartsoftheAct,andtheycanberemindedofthis.
ItisalsoimportantforthefacilitatortoremainawarethattherelevantprovisionsoftheActarenowinplaceanditsPartsandClausesarenotsubjecttoamendment.TheaimoftheinteractivegroupdiscussionsisnottorevieworevaluatethemeritsofthePartsoftheAct,buttodeterminehowthepowersandresponsibilitiesconferredbythemcanbetranslatedintopracticalapplicationbyparticipants.
Atleastonehard-copyversionoftheActandtheScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementationshouldbeavailableforreferencewithintheworkshop.BothoftheseareincludedasPDFsontheResourceCD.
Adviceforfacilitatorsrelatingtothesuggestedquestionsforthefourinteractivegroupsessionsispresentedoverleaf.
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Discussion Group APart 3: Public Health InvestigationsWhat does Part 3 do?Themajorityofpublichealthincidentscanbeinvestigatedwithoutusingstatutorypowers.However,Part3ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008(“theAct”)setsoutabroadrangeofinvestigatorypowerswhichareavailableifthedefinedcircumstancessetoutinthispartoftheActoccur,andwheretherearereasonablegroundstosuspectthatthereis,orislikelytobe,asignificantrisktopublichealth.Thepowersincludepowerofentry,powertoaskquestionsandpowertotakesamplesforanalysisetc.Ifnecessary,aninvestigatorcanapplyforawarranttoenterpremisesandcarryouttheinvestigationfromthelocalJPorsheriff,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Part3alsomakesprovisionaboutoffencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionInyourlocalarea,apublichealthincidenthasoccurredwhichmayconstituteasignificantrisktopublichealth.HowshouldtheincidentbeinvestigatedinaccordancewithPart3ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008?
Notes for the facilitatorYoumaywishtotriggerdiscussionbyraisingthefollowing.
A. When would the group consider it appropriate to utilise legislation to investigate an incident?
B. How are investigating officers appointed when statutory powers are deployed?
C. What statutory powers are available to investigating officers under Part 3 of the Act?
NOTE: The facilitator should refer to paragraphs 1−40 of the Scottish Government Guidance on Implementation.
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Summary• The Act does not fundamentally change the way in which public health incidents and outbreaks are investigated or managed.
• The majority of public health incidents and outbreaks are investigated without the need for statutory powers. That will continue.
• The use of legislation is considered when individuals do not cooperate or where it is necessary to ensure cooperation. There is continuing recourse to existing legislation covering food safety, health and safety at work, environmental protection etc. There are, however, some gaps in this which the Act fills (for instance, the criteria for use of the powers is broader and more general than that for other legislation).
• “Investigator” is simply a term used in the Act. In most circumstances, these will be local authority or health board Competent Persons, or persons authorised/appointed by them.
• Local authorities and health boards should ensure that: (1) they have designated a sufficient number of Competent Persons to undertake the functions set out in the Act; and (2) they have updated their Schemes of Delegation with regard to authorisations as potential investigators.
• It is recommended that, if a warrant is required to enter premises and undertake investigations, environmental health officers should maintain their current practice of applying to the local Justice of the Peace, using local application procedures.
• A warrant is not required in “emergency” situations, as defined in paragraph 35 of the guidance.
• Compensation provisions are similar to those contained in other relevant legislation. Claims should be considered by local authority or health board legal advisers, as appropriate.
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Discussion Group BPart 4: Public Health Functions of Health BoardsWhat does Part 4 do?Part4setsoutabroadrangeofpowersavailabletohealthboardstoprotectpublichealth.ThesereplacemanyofthepowerswhichwerepreviouslytheresponsibilityoflocalauthoritieswithinputfromtheDesignatedMedicalOfficerofthehealthboard.Existingpowersthatarebeingtransferredfromlocalauthoritiestohealthboardsinclude:theexclusionofpersonsfromworkandschool(nowextendedtocoveranyspecificcommunitysetting);applicationtoasheriffforanorderforapersontobemedicallyexaminedortoberemovedanddetainedinhospital.Newpowersforhealthboardsincludethepowertorestrictpersons’activitiesinordertopreventthespreadofinfectiousdiseaseorcontamination;powertoquarantineindividualsandpowertorequireapersontobedisinfected,disinfestedordecontaminatedaspartofaquarantineordetentionorder.Compensationisavailableforthosesufferinglossasaresultofcomplyingwithhealthprotectionaction.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionInyourhealthboardarea,adesignatedhealthboardCompetentPersonhasassessedthatamemberofthepublicconstitutesasignificantrisktopublichealth.WhatinternalproceduresareinplacetoensurethattheCompetentPerson’sactionsfollowstatuteandthatpublichealthisprotected?
Notes for the facilitatorYoumaywishtotriggerdiscussionbyraisingthefollowing.
A. What does the term “significant risk” mean to the group, and: - How might significant risk be assessed? - What does the guidance say in relation to significant risk?
NOTE: The facilitator should encourage the group to provide examples of significant risks, such as infectious diseases (E.Coli, typhoid, H1N1, etc.).
NOTE: The Act does not contain a definition of “significant risk”. Paragraphs 5−7 of the Scottish Government Guidance on Implementation, however, provide a range of factors that can be considered in a risk assessment of whether a significant risk is present.
B. In what circumstances do members of the group consider that the powers in the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 should be used?
NOTE: See paragraphs 43−45 of the guidance.
C. When considering one or more of the chosen examples, what powers in the Act would the group choose?
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NOTE: Exclusion and restriction orders without recourse to the sheriff – see paragraphs 54−67 and annexes A−C of the guidance.
NOTE: Orders for quarantine, detention in hospital and medical examination requiring application to the local sheriff – see paragraphs 68−105 and 117−136 of the guidance.
NOTE: Reviewing, extending and varying orders – see paragraphs 106–116.
NOTE: NHS Central Legal Office advice should be sought if applications to the sheriff for orders are contemplated.
NOTE: Compensation – see paragraphs 137−144.
Summary• Health boards need to:
- ensure that they have a list of Competent Persons in place (minimum criteria for designation set out in the Competent Persons Regulations 2009, coming into effect on 1 October 2009);
- take a policy decision on the use of the powers in the Act (that is, as opposed to relying on voluntary compliance with health protection advice);
- ensure that staff are aware of the role of the Competent Person in public health action set out in Part 4 of the Act, and that operational procedures are updated accordingly; and
- consider how compensation claims will be handled within the health board.
• Central Legal Office (CLO) can be contacted to provide advice on individual cases. CLO and HPS should be routinely contacted if the use of sheriff orders is contemplated.
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Discussion Group CPart 5: Public Health Functions of Local AuthoritiesWhat does Part 5 do?Part5outlinesthepowersavailabletolocalauthoritiestoorder,ortoundertake,arangeofpublichealthmeasuresinrelationtopremisesandthingstoprevent,orpreventthespreadof,infectiousdiseaseorcontamination.Themeasuresincludedisinfection,disinfestationanddecontamination.Theuseofthepowersmayfollowonfromaninvestigationintoapublichealthincident,asdescribedinPart3oftheAct,oronsuspicionorknowledgeofinfection,infestationorcontaminationthroughanyothermeans.AlocalauthoritymayapplytoalocalJPorsheriffforawarranttoenterpremises,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Aspartoftheirstatutoryresponsibilities,localauthoritieshaveadutytoprovide,orensuretheprovisionof,thefacilitiesorequipmentnecessarytodisinfect,disinfestordecontaminatepremisesorthings,thedestructionofsuchthingsandthemeansoftransportingthingstofacilitiesandequipment.
Part5alsomakesprovisionaboutappeals,offencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionAlocalauthorityCompetentPersonhasbeenmadeawareofasituationthatmayleadtothespreadofaninfectiousdiseaseorallowfurthercontaminationtotakeplace.WhatpublichealthmeasuresdetailedinPart5oftheActcanthelocalauthorityenact,andwhatproceduresareinplacetoensurethelegalityofsuchactions?
Notes for the facilitatorYoumaywishtotriggerdiscussionbyraisingthefollowing.
A. If the situation cannot be resolved without recourse to legislation, what legislation should be considered?
NOTE: See paragraphs 226−232 of the guidance.
B. What public measures detailed in Part 5 of the Act should the local authority consider?
NOTE: See flow charts 1−4 in the guidance.
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Summary• Local authorities should exhaust all efforts to ensure an end to the
problem without recourse to legislation.• If the situation cannot be resolved without recourse to legislation,
consider what is the most appropriate legislation to use. For instance, in these circumstances, the use of the statutory nuisance regime of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may be more appropriate, or the use of reserved legislation such as the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. In this situation, local authority officers should work with the primary enforcement authority to resolve the situation.
• It may be necessary to carry out an investigation, using the powers in Part 3 of the Act.
• If the powers in Part 5 of the Act are the most appropriate to prevent the spread of the infection or contamination, work through flow charts 1−4 on the legal enforcement process in the Scottish Government Guidance on Implementation.
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Discussion Group DPart 6: Mortuaries etc.What does Part 6 do?Sections90,92and93[ofPart6]updatecurrentstatutoryprovisionrestrictingthereleaseofinfectedbodiesfromhospitalandthedisposalofbodiesretainedinpremises,inordertoavoidorminimiseasignificantrisktopublichealth.Ifnecessary,asheriff’sordercanbeappliedfor.Section91placesadutyonhealthboardstonotifythoseresponsibleforthepreparationanddisposalofbodies,wherethereareparticularriskstopublichealthfrominfectionorcontamination,ofthenatureofthatriskandanyprecautionswhichshouldbetaken.“Disposal”meansburialorcremation,andincludespreparationofthebodyforburialorcremation,includingpreparationsrequiredbyreligiousobservance,suchasthosegenerallyundertakenforJewishpeople,forMuslims,SikhsandHindusetc.
[Sections87−89,whichconcernthestatutoryresponsibilityformortuaryprovision,wereimplementedon1April2009.]
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionWhatstatutorydutieswouldyourhealthprotectionteamneedtoconsiderintheeventofaninfectedbody(orbodies)beingpresentinthecommunityorinmortuaryfacilities?
Notes for the facilitatorYoumaywishtotriggerdiscussionbyraisingthefollowing.
A. How would health boards help to ensure compliance with statutory obligations regarding:- the release from hospital of dead bodies posing a significant risk to public
health (paragraphs 235−240 of the guidance); and- the communication of risk to anyone handling an infectious or
contaminated body (paragraphs 241−245 of the guidance)?B. How would local authorities help to ensure compliance with statutory
obligations regarding bodies retained in premises (excluding a mortuary or other similar premises or a hospital) (paragraphs 246−254 of the guidance)?
Summary• Health boards need to look at existing policies with regard to dead
bodies which have particular public health risks due to infection or contamination, in order to fulfil their statutory duty under Section 91 of the Act.
• For all of the other situations, every effort should be made to resolve any problems without recourse to using legislation. Health boards and local authorities simply need to be aware that the statutory powers exist, should they be required. It is expected that they will be used rarely, if at all.
• If in any doubt about the use of the statutory powers, legal advice should be sought.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
24
Item 8.Interactive group sessions –
discussion topics for participants
Item
8
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Item 8. Interactive group sessions – discussion topics for participants
The following can be offered to workshop participants in advance of the interactive group sessions to enable them to consider the issues that will be discussed in the group.
Discussion Group APart 3: Public Health InvestigationsWhat does Part 3 do?Themajorityofpublichealthincidentscanbeinvestigatedwithoutusingstatutorypowers.However,Part3ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008(“theAct”)setsoutabroadrangeofinvestigatorypowerswhichareavailableifthedefinedcircumstancessetoutinthispartoftheActoccur,andwheretherearereasonablegroundstosuspectthatthereis,orislikelytobe,asignificantrisktopublichealth.Thepowersincludepowerofentry,powertoaskquestionsandpowertotakesamplesforanalysisetc.Ifnecessary,aninvestigatorcanapplyforawarranttoenterpremisesandcarryouttheinvestigationfromthelocalJPorsheriff,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Part3alsomakesprovisionaboutoffencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionInyourlocalarea,apublichealthincidenthasoccurredwhichmayconstituteasignificantrisktopublichealth.HowshouldtheincidentbeinvestigatedinaccordancewithPart3ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008?
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26
Discussion Group BPart 4: Public Health Functions of Health BoardsWhat does Part 4 do?Part4setsoutabroadrangeofpowersavailabletohealthboardstoprotectpublichealth.ThesereplacemanyofthepowerswhichwerepreviouslytheresponsibilityoflocalauthoritieswithinputfromtheDesignatedMedicalOfficerofthehealthboard.Existingpowersthatarebeingtransferredfromlocalauthoritiestohealthboardsinclude:theexclusionofpersonsfromworkandschool(nowextendedtocoveranyspecificcommunitysetting);applicationtoasheriffforanorderforapersontobemedicallyexaminedortoberemovedanddetainedinhospital.Newpowersforhealthboardsincludethepowertorestrictpersons’activitiesinordertopreventthespreadofinfectiousdiseaseorcontamination;powertoquarantineindividualsandpowertorequireapersontobedisinfected,disinfestedordecontaminatedaspartofaquarantineordetentionorder.Compensationisavailableforthosesufferinglossasaresultofcomplyingwithhealthprotectionaction.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionInyourhealthboardarea,adesignatedhealthboardCompetentPersonhasassessedthatamemberofthepublicconstitutesasignificantrisktopublichealth.WhatinternalproceduresareinplacetoensurethattheCompetentPerson’sactionsfollowstatuteandthatpublichealthisprotected?
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Discussion Group CPart 5: Public Health Functions of Local AuthoritiesWhat does Part 5 do?Part5outlinesthepowersavailabletolocalauthoritiestoorder,ortoundertake,arangeofpublichealthmeasuresinrelationtopremisesandthingstoprevent,orpreventthespreadof,infectiousdiseaseorcontamination.Themeasuresincludedisinfection,disinfestationanddecontamination.Theuseofthepowersmayfollowonfromaninvestigationintoapublichealthincident,asdescribedinPart3oftheAct,oronsuspicionorknowledgeofinfection,infestationorcontaminationthroughanyothermeans.AlocalauthoritymayapplytoalocalJPorsheriffforawarranttoenterpremises,althoughthisisnotnecessaryinemergencysituations.
Aspartoftheirstatutoryresponsibilities,localauthoritieshaveadutytoprovide,orensuretheprovisionof,thefacilitiesorequipmentnecessarytodisinfect,disinfestordecontaminatepremisesorthings,thedestructionofsuchthingsandthemeansoftransportingthingstofacilitiesandequipment.
Part5alsomakesprovisionaboutappeals,offencesandthecompensationarrangementsforanylossordamageincurredinthecourseofaninvestigation.
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionAlocalauthorityCompetentPersonhasbeenmadeawareofasituationthatmayleadtothespreadofaninfectiousdiseaseorallowfurthercontaminationtotakeplace.WhatpublichealthmeasuresdetailedinPart5oftheActcanthelocalauthorityenact,andwhatproceduresareinplacetoensurethelegalityofsuchactions?
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Discussion Group DPart 6: Mortuaries etc.What does Part 6 do?Sections90,92and93[ofPart6]updatecurrentstatutoryprovisionrestrictingthereleaseofinfectedbodiesfromhospitalandthedisposalofbodiesretainedinpremises,inordertoavoidorminimiseasignificantrisktopublichealth.Ifnecessary,asheriff’sordercanbeappliedfor.Section91placesadutyonhealthboardstonotifythoseresponsibleforthepreparationanddisposalofbodies,wherethereareparticularriskstopublichealthfrominfectionorcontamination,ofthenatureofthatriskandanyprecautionswhichshouldbetaken.“Disposal”meansburialorcremation,andincludespreparationofthebodyforburialorcremation,includingpreparationsrequiredbyreligiousobservance,suchasthosegenerallyundertakenforJewishpeople,forMuslims,SikhsandHindusetc.
[Sections87−89,whichconcernthestatutoryresponsibilityformortuaryprovision,wereimplementedon1April2009.]
Source:ScottishGovernmentGuidanceonImplementation
Topic for group discussionWhatstatutorydutieswouldyourhealthprotectionteamneedtoconsiderintheeventofaninfectedbody(orbodies)beingpresentinthecommunityorinmortuaryfacilities?
Item 9.Workshop evaluation form
Item
9
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Item 9. Workshop evaluation form
This form is specific to the sample workshop programme found at Item 6 but can be amended and adapted to meet local needs.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
Aims and objectivesTheaimsoftheworkshopareto:
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a knowledge of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008;
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a working knowledge of if, when and how they may utilise the powers contained in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act; and
• highlight the role of the “Competent Person” designated within health boards and local authorities.
Thespecificobjectivesarethat,followingattendingandactivelyparticipatingintheworkshop,youwill:
1. understand the Act, as a whole;2. have an understanding/insight into the situations which might
necessitate the use of the powers in Parts 3–6 of the Act, including the role of the “Competent Person” in such situations; and
3. be able to use the Scottish Government guidance as a practical resource in public health incidents and outbreaks.
Iftheworkshopisorganisedinawiderhealthprotectionteamsetting,itwillalsostrengthennetworkswithinthehealthprotectioncommunityacrosshealthboards,localauthoritiesandotherrelevantstakeholders.
Presentations
Yes No
Didyoufeelthattheintroductionandmorningpresentationprovidedyouwithsufficientbackgroundinformationtoenableyoutotakepartintheinteractivegroupsessions?
Additionalcomments:
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Interactive group sessionsThesesessionsfocusedonParts3,4,5and6ofthePublicHealthetc.(Scotland)Act2008(andassociatedguidance).
1. Did you feel this approach allowed you to: Yes No
a)gainfurtherinsightintotherespectivePartsoftheAct?
b)highlighttheperspectivesofotherindividualsandagencies?
c)identifyareasinwhichyouwouldwelcomefurtherdevelopment/resources?
Ifyouranswerto1caboveis“Yes”,pleasedetailwhatkindsoffurtherdevelopment/resourcesyouwouldwelcome
2.Towhatextentdoyoufeeltheobjectivesforthedayweremet?Placeamarkwhichcorrespondswithyourviewonthescalebelow.
Not at all Completely
1 2 3 4 5
3.Towhatextentdidyoufeelthattheworkshoppreparatoryreadingpackagepreparedyoufortheday?Placeamarkwhichcorrespondswithyourviewonthescalebelow.
Not at all Completely
1 2 3 4 5
4. If you have responsibility for increasing the awareness of other team members about the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, do you feel that the workshop has provided you with:
Yes No N/A
a)moreconfidenceinsupportingothersinvolvedinenactingthelegislation?
b)ideasfororganisinglocalPublicHealthActawareness-raisingevents?
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Organisation of the dayPleaseindicateyourviewsonthefollowingaspectsoftheworkshoporganisation.Placeamarkwhichcorrespondswithyourviewonthescalesbelow.
Venue facilities Poor Excellent
1 2 3 4 5
Additionalcomments:
Accessibility of venue Poor Excellent
1 2 3 4 5
Additionalcomments:
Catering Poor Excellent
1 2 3 4 5
Additionalcomments:
About you…Youarecurrentlyrepresentingoremployedwithin:
NHS Localauthority Other
Jobtitle...................................................................................................................................
Name(notobligatory).......................................................................................................
Email(notobligatory)........................................................................................................
Many thanks for attending the workshop and for taking time to complete this evaluation form
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Item 10.Statement of attendance
Item
10
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Item 10. Statement of attendance
This item can be presented to participants at the close of the workshop and can be used in their professional development documentation and recorded in their CVs.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 - what does it mean for you?A workshop to support health board and local authority staff in implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.
[NAME OF ORGANISATION HOLDING EVENT]
Nameofparticipant...........................................................................................................
Jobtitle...................................................................................................................................
Employer................................................................................................................................
Thisstatementconfirmsthatthepersonaboveattendedandactivelyparticipatedinthisevent,whichwasdesignedto:
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a knowledge of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008;
• ensure that the health protection workforce has a working knowledge of if, when and how they may utilise the powers contained in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act; and
• highlight the role of the “Competent Person” designated within health boards and local authorities.
Theeventwasheldat........................................................................................................
On.............................................................................................................................................
Signed......................................................................................................................................
Designation...........................................................................................................................
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Annex.Workshop infrastructure,
planning and delivery
An
nex
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Annex. Workshop infrastructure, planning and delivery
The following offers advice and ideas to workshop organisers on the planning and delivery of the workshop. Paying appropriate attention to the issues raised is likely to result in a high-quality, fit-for-purpose workshop that will meet its stated aims and objectives. In addition to the issues listed here, local factors, processes and circumstances will also have to be taken into consideration.
1. How many?Definingthemaximumnumberofparticipantsattheworkshopisdifficult.Itdependsonmanyfactors,suchastheprofessionalmixofparticipants,therestrictionsofthevenueandthetimeallottedfortheworkshop.
Aworkshopbasedontheguidancewithinthisresource,however,shouldhaveanupperlimitof30participants;thisislargeenoughtoenablefoursmallgroupstobecreated,butsmallenoughtoensurethateveryonehasanopportunitytocontributeandhavehisorherindividualconcernsandissuesaddressed.
2. Who is involved?We’vealreadyconsideredpotentialparticipantsinItem2,butwealsohavetothinkaboutwhoshouldbeinvolvedinpresentingandorganisingtheworkshop.Thefollowinglistofkeypersonnelisnotprescriptive,andlocalprocessesmayrequirecontributionsfromotherpeopletomeetlocallydeterminedneeds.
ChairpersonAsisthecasewithanyworkshop,keepingtotimeisanimportantconsideration,andastrongandableChairwillhelptoensurethattheproceedingsremainonschedule.
ThedesignationoftheChairisimportantindetermininginparticipants’mindsjusthowseriouslytheorganisationtakesthesubjectoftheworkshop–inotherwords,thehigher-rankingtheChair,thegreatertheperceptionof“gravitas”oftheevent.
TheChairpersonneednotalwaysbeasubjectexpert;noonewillexpecthimorhertoprovideadetailedandauthoritativeoverviewofthesubjectmatter.Heorsheshould,however,haveanunderstandingoftheimportanceofthesubjecttotheparticipants,andshouldbecapableofofferingbriefsummariesofproceedingsatkeypointsduringtheday.
AnadvicesheetonchairingaworkshopispresentedatA1.
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36
PresentersPresentershavetobeclearlyidentifiableassubjectexperts,eitherthroughtheirdesignationorprofileatnationalorlocallevel.
Group facilitatorsWhilethestructuredinteractivegroupsessionsaredesignedtoencourageandenablefreeandfrankdiscussion,theyarenotintendedtobecompletelyunstructured.
Eachsessionhasadesignatedtheme(aspecificPartoftheAct),anditisimportantthatthefacilitatorkeepsthediscussionsontrackanddoesnotallowanyindividualorinappropriateagendatobepursued.
ThefacilitatorsneednotonlyagoodworkingknowledgeoftheAct,butalsorequiretheskillsnecessarytokeepthediscussionmovingandontrack.Theyshouldbepreparedtopresentabriefsummaryofdiscussionsintheirgroupduringtheclosingplenarysectionoftheworkshop.
Toavoidpotentialtrafficcongestionwithinthevenueandproblemsforparticipantsinlocatinggroupdiscussionrooms,itisrecommendedthatthefacilitatorsandscribes(seebelow),andNOTtheparticipants,changeroomattheendofeachinteractivegroupsession.
AgeneraladvicesheetonfacilitatingagroupispresentedatA2.
ScribesItisverychallengingtofacilitateagroupandkeeparecordofdiscussionssimultaneously,soitisrecommendedthateachinteractivegroupsessionhasadesignatedscribe.
Thispersonwouldnotbeexpectedtoactivelycontributetothesession,butwouldendeavourtocapturethemainpointsanddecisionsarisingfromthediscussion.Thescribe’staskismadesimplerifthefacilitator“recaps”themainpointsofthediscussionintermittentlyduringthegroupsession.
Thescribemaynotbeasubjectexpertandisoftenamemberoftheadministrativeteam.Anabilitytolistencloselyandrecordquicklyisrequired.
Administrative staffAnyworkshopwillrequiresignificantadministrativesupporttorunsmoothly.Administrativestaffaregenerallyresponsibleforimportanttaskssuchas:
• booking the workshop venue and liaising with venue staff • issuing invitations to presenters, facilitators and participants• liaising with the Chair, presenters and facilitators, ensuring they have
the instructions, advice and technology they need to carry out their roles effectively
• logging and acknowledging registrations
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
• preparing and disseminating pre-workshop materials• working with the workshop organisers to allocate participants to
their groups• preparing welcome packs for participants on the day (see below)• being on-site throughout the workshop to liaise with venue staff
over catering and technology requirements and answering queries from participants
• collecting and collating written evaluation comments from participants
• overseeing and reporting on administration of the workshop budget• disseminating any reports that arise as a result of the workshop.
Welcomepacksforparticipantsusuallycontain:
• participant’s name badge• workshop programme• brief biographical details of Chair, presenters, facilitators and
organisers• list of participants• list of members of each group• evaluation forms (see Item 9)• any other appropriate local or national “marketing” materials raising
awareness of, for instance, upcoming events or publications such as local and national newsletters.
“Meeters and greeters”Inadditiontohavingamemberoftheworkshoporganisingteampresenttowelcomeparticipantsastheyarriveatthevenueandissuethemwiththeirwelcomepacks,theimageoftheworkshopasaseriousprofessionaleventwillbeenhancedifsomeoneidentifiableasaseniormemberofstaffisalsotheretoofferawelcome.TheChairisoftenanidealpersontoperformthisrole.
Mix of participantsThemostpositiveoutcomeswillarisefromworkshopsthatareorganisedcollaborativelybyhealthboardsandlocalauthoritiesandwhichconsistofamixofparticipantswithdifferentresponsibilitiesundertheAct.ThisarrangementwillallowpartnersinimplementingtheActtodevelopanunderstandingnotonlyoftheirownrolesandpowers,butalsooftherolesandpowersofthosewhoseactionsarecomplementarytotheirown.
Thatisnottodevalue,however,workshopsthatareuni-agencyanduni-disciplinaryinnature(suchasaworkshoporganisedbyalocalauthorityforenvironmentalhealthofficers,oroneorganisedbyahealthboardforhealthprotectionnurses).Thesekindsofworkshopsfacilitateastrongfocusontherolesandresponsibilitiesofidentifiedgroupsandsectors,consequentlyresultinginheightenedawarenessandmoreappropriatepractice.
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3. Evaluation, feedback and reportingParticipantsmayexpecttoreceivearecordoftheworkshopintheformofareport.Theywillalsoexpecttobeaskedtheiropinionsoftheworkshopandwillwanttoseethattheirfeedbackhasbeenacknowledgedand,ifappropriate,actedupon.
Ifthedecisionistakentoprepareareportfromtheevent,itisadvisedthatanindividualwhohasexperienceinwritingsuchreportsbedelegatedexclusivelytothistask.Thispersonwouldthereforeattendtheworkshopbutwouldnotparticipateindiscussions–hisorherexclusiveresponsibilityistoobserve,collateandrecord,andthenpreparethereportaftertheevent.
Itisimportanttoidentifytheaudienceforthereport,asthiswilllargelydetermineitsstyleandstructure.Potentialaudiencesincludethefollowing(eithersinglyorincombinations):
• workshop organisers• organisational chief executives• leads in health protection• organisational legal advisers• workshop participants• peers of the workshop participants who have not yet attended• NES, HPS and the Scottish Government• the wider workforce through, for instance, organisational newsletters• the general public.
Thestructure,format,styleandextentofthereportshouldbeagreedwiththeorganisersbeforehand.Therearedifferentapproachesthatcanbeadopted,includingthefollowing.
• Compiling a summary of the content of each presentation and collating the notes from scribes at the interactive group discussions. The structure of the report would therefore closely follow the workshop programme. If this approach is preferred, it would be wise to enquire if the workshop venue has recording equipment that can be accessed; note, however, that while it is acceptable to record the Chair and main presenter (with their prior permission), the presence of recording equipment in the interactive group sessions may inhibit discussion and is not recommended.
• Organising the report around specific themes that present at the workshop.
• Compiling a brief list of the agreed outcomes.• Videoing or recording the workshop presentations and discussions and editing them for DVD and online formats, or preparing a transcript. The proviso about the effects of recording on interactive group sessions, as cited above, also applies here.
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Regardlessofwhichoftheseformats(oranyotherformat)isadopted,thefinalreportshouldcontainasummaryoffeedbackreceivedviaevaluationformsandindicationsofconsequentactions(ifany).
Agreementshouldbereachedbeforetheworkshoponscrutinyandapprovalprocessesfordraftsofthereport.
AsuggestedtemplateforanevaluationformispresentedatItem9.
4. Where should the workshop take place?Choiceofvenueiscrucialtothesuccessoftheworkshop.Commonrequirementsforaworkshopvenueinclude:
• accessibility to all participants through all modes of transport• accessibility to participants with a disability• adequate auditorium and breakout room facilities (it is important
that there are sufficient rooms within the immediate vicinity of the main auditorium to allow all four interactive group sessions to take place simultaneously)
• access to appropriate technology, including audio-visual resources and communication assistance for those with a communication disability
• online access to participants on site either through Wi-Fi or designated computer terminal facilities
• adequate parking, catering and toilet facilities• adequate reception facilities for conference administration and
exhibition space• capability to create a comfortable environment for participants in all
weather conditions• availability of support staff to deal with any venue-related problems
that arise on the day• affordability within the workshop budget.
Thesecriteriaarepresentedin“checklist”formatatA3.
5. Rewarding participantsParticipantswillbenefit,bothprofessionallyandpersonally,fromanacknowledgementoftheirpresenceattheworkshopthattheycanuseintheirprofessionaldevelopmentdocumentationandenterintheirCVs.
AstatementofattendanceispresentedatItem10.Thiscanbeawardedtoeachparticipantwhoattendstheworkshop
6. Keeping recordsItisrecommendedthatorganisationskeeparecordofparticipants’attendanceasevidenceoftrainingoffered.
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7. Quality assuranceItisimportanttoensurethattheworkshopmeetsqualitybenchmarksforthedeliveryofeducationevents.
ManyNHSandlocalauthorityorganisationshavewrittenqualitystatementsinplacethatactascriteriaagainstwhichtheworkshopcanbeassessed.
A1.Advice sheet for workshop Chair
A1
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
A1. Advice sheet for workshop Chair
Chairpersons tend to be senior people who have wide experience of chairing meetings and conferences. For those who do not have particular experience of chairing workshop-style meetings, this advice sheet can be copied and offered in advance of the workshop to allow them to prepare for the role. Again, the advice can be tailored or augmented to meet local needs.
Advice on chairing the workshop
TheChairshould:
• ensure that the atmosphere within the workshop remains positive, friendly and welcoming at all times, even when challenging questions or ideas are posed; this may mean he or she has to remind particular participants about acceptable standards of behaviour
• use his or her opening remarks to:- welcome participants- inform them about “housekeeping” issues such as fire escapes,
toilets, catering etc.- briefly introduce the topic of the workshop and emphasise
how the workshop offers a key opportunity to promote understanding of people’s powers and responsibilities in relation to Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act
- reinforce the aims and objectives of the day, emphasising that while there are issues around the new role of the Competent Person, this is not the central focus of the workshop
- explain the structure of the day (mix of plenary sessions and interactive group sessions)
- define “ground rules” regarding participant behaviour during discussions, allowing each person to contribute etc.
• introduce the main speaker in an informative way and invite and manage questions and comments after the presentation
• remain impartial during any discussions, resisting the temptation to interject with his or her own view; the task is to facilitate others to have the floor
• have a ready-prepared question or proposal to stimulate further discussion when discussions seem to be failing
• provide interim summaries to highlight key points of the discussion, and provide a general summary at the close of the workshop, referring once again to the workshop aims and objectives
• remind participants of the importance of completing their evaluation forms
• always keep the workshop to time, and always be available to meet and chat with participants.
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A2.General advice sheet for
workshop facilitators
A2
43
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
A2. General advice sheet for workshop facilitators
This advice sheet can be copied and offered to the facilitators in advance of the workshop to allow them to prepare for their roles. Again, the advice can be tailored or augmented to meet local needs.
General advice for facilitators
Thefacilitatorshould:
• be friendly and welcoming• arrange the seating in the room so that there is no defined seating
hierarchy, to encourage feelings of equality within the group, and ensure that each participant can see the others (a circular chair arrangement is therefore often preferred)
• ensure, as much as possible, that room atmospheric conditions (temperature, lighting, background noise etc.) are conducive to relaxed, comfortable conversation
• direct what he or she says to the whole group, and not focus on any particular individual
• ensure that the group members know who each other is by overseeing a round of introductions
• encourage informality and humour• keep the discussion focused on the topic, politely redirecting
conversations that seem to be stretching into other, non-core areas • ensure that if disagreements arise, exchanges remain courteous and
focused on the topic, not on the individuals• encourage participants who are not interacting to become involved
in the discussion by, for instance, asking about their particular experience in relation to a specific point
• politely and courteously dissuade any individual who is attempting to dominate the discussion by directing questions to other participants or interjecting to offer a brief summary of the individual’s points and asking the group to respond
• be prepared to take a “background” role when the discussion gets fully going
• provide summaries of main points at strategic times during the discussion, such as before moving on to a different topic
• gain the agreement of the group on the main points raised during the discussion at the end of the session
• start and end the discussion on time• support the scribe to prepare a note of the discussion• present the main points from the discussion back to the plenary
session.
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A3.Workshop venue “checklist”
A3
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The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
A3. Workshop venue “checklist”
The following checklist is presented to provide guidance to workshop organisers on choosing an appropriate venue for the event.
Doesthepotentialvenue:
Yes No
haveeasyaccessforallparticipantsthroughallmodesoftransport?
haveaccessforparticipantswithadisability?
haveadequateauditoriumandbreakoutroomfacilities(itisimportantthattherearesufficientroomswithintheimmediatevicinityofthemainauditoriumtoallowallfourinteractivegroupsessionstotakeplacesimultaneously)?
provideaccesstoappropriatetechnology,includingaudio-visualresourcesandcommunicationassistanceforthosewithacommunicationdisability?
provideonlineaccesstoparticipantsonsiteeitherthroughwi-fiordesignatedcomputerterminalfacilities?
haveadequateparking,cateringandtoiletfacilities?
haveadequatereceptionfacilitiesforconferenceadministrationandexhibitionspace?
havethecapabilityofcreatingacomfortableenvironmentforparticipantsinallweatherconditions?
havesupportstaffonhandtodealwithanyvenue-relatedproblemsthatariseontheday?
comeatapricethatisaffordablewithintheworkshopbudget?
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Resource CD
Re
sou
rce
CD
47
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 NES 2009
Resource CD
YouwillfindaCDattachedopposite.Thisdiskcontainssupportiveresourcesthatcanbeusedbyworkshoporganisersinplanning,deliveringandevaluatingtheworkshop.
Youwillfindthefollowingitemsonthedisk.
Folder 1.PDF of the Scottish Government Implementation Guidance on Parts 3−6 of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008ThisguidancehasbeencreatedbytheNationalImplementationGrouptosupportthehealthprotectionworkforceinScotlandinimplementingtheAct.Theguidanceisalsoavailableonlineat:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/publicact/Implementation/Timetable3333ThisPDFisnotamendable.
Folder 2.PDF of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 Designation of Competent Persons Regulations 2009 (Scottish Statutory Instruments 2009 No. 301)TheseregulationshavebeenissuedbyTheScottishMinistersinexerciseofthepowersconferreduponthembytheAct.Theysetoutthecriteria,qualificationsandrelevantexperiencenecessaryofdesignatedCompetentPersonsinhealthboardsandlocalauthorities.Theregulationsarealsoavailableonlineat:www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2009/pdf/ssi_20090301_en.pdfThisPDFisnotamendable.
Folder 3.PDF of The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008All10partsoftheActandassociatedSchedulesastheyappearinstatute.ThisPDFisnotamendable.
Folder 4.PDF of The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. Planning, delivering and evaluating workshops for health board and local authority staff responsible for implementing Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act. An educational resource for health protection leads ThisresourcehasbeenreproducedasaPDFinFolder3.ThisPDFisnotamendable.
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Folder 5.PowerPoint presentation: Setting the scene – the Act and its implementationThisPowerPointpresentationhasbeendevelopedtosupporttheplenarysessioninthesampleworkshopprogramme(Item4),Settingthescene–theActanditsimplementation.Presenter’snotesareaddedtotheslides.ThisPowerPointpresentationisinamendableformattoallowlocalcustomisation.
Folder 6.Word documents of selected Items in the resourceItisrecognisedthatworkshoporganisersmaywishtoalterselectedItemspresentedintheresourcetoincludelocaldetailsorreflectlocalprioritiesandneeds.IdenticalcopiesoftheseItemsastheyappearinhard-copyformintheresourcearethereforepresentedonthediskinWordformat,whichmeansorganiserswillbeabletocustomisethemtomeetlocalneedsandprintanddistributethemasrequired.
TheItemsare:
Item3: WorkshopaimsandobjectivesforparticipantsItem4: LetterofinvitationItem6: SampleworkshopprogrammeItem7: Interactivegroupsessions–discussiontopicsforfacilitatorsItem8: Interactivegroupsessions–discussiontopicsforparticipantsItem9: WorkshopevaluationformItem10: StatementofattendanceA1: AdvicesheetforworkshopChairA2: GeneraladvicesheetforworkshopfacilitatorsA3: Workshopvenue“checklist”
TheseWorddocumentscanbeamended,copiedanddistributedasrequiredatlocallevel.