Is the TB history will be a problem for applying ... - TB Alert

TB Alert

1,083 members419 posts

Is the TB history will be a problem for applying a job at the hospital?

3 Replies

Hi everyone! I’m new here, I came originally from the Philippines and moved to the US in 2010 but since my husband got a job offer here in the UK , we moved here last year August 2016. I had a latent TB history and diligently finished the full 6 months treatment medication when I was on the US immigration process in the Philippines. I applied as a health care assistant at Frimley health foundation trust in Wexham Park Hospital on 1st of April 2017. Luckily, I got a conditional offer. In April 25, I went to the occupational health office and they knew my history and I gave them all my health records from the US. They asked me to have an x-ray for their record and I did. I called them on May 5 and asked how’s my status on my clearance and the lady says that she can’t answer because she wasn’t allowed to discuss it .She told me that I have to wait for the nurse to call me about my status but nobody calls me. My questions are : Are the people working in these facilities educated well enough about TB? Are they not going to hire me because of my TB history? What are the grounds that the occupational health centre would fail the applicant? I’m so worried, I don’t know what to do , I cant even sleep thinking too much about it. Any comments or suggestions will be very appreciated. Thank you very much.

3 Replies
Amanda1954 profile image
Amanda1954

I'm sorry not to be able to answer your questions as I have no knowledge of this area. I just wanted you to know that someone has read your post. I find this forum isn't really used enough for any useful dialogue. Good luck!

poetpaddy profile image
poetpaddy

Hi, I suspect that unless a GP or other medically qualified person reads your post then no one will be able to offer you the advice you seek.

My "gut reaction" is that if you finished the US immigration programme as long ago as 2010 - that's 7-years ago - then, unless there are or have been any further causes for concern over that 7-year period, you may be worrying yourself unduly.

My guess is that the person you spoke to after your X-Ray may well have been a part of a (clerical) support team; not medically qualified or able to give you the information you wanted. I would not place undue significance on the referral to the TB nurse. They are the experts. It may well be that the process at this hospital will involve them talking to you to confirm that you are fully fit (remember this is a demanding job as well as involving the care of seriously ill patients) and that there is no further cause for concern.

It is also possible that if you are accepted for work at the hospital that they will offer you the position with the proviso that you undergo regular health checks - X-Rays to confirm you are still well and that there has not been a recurrence of the disease.

Let us know how you get on.

Good luck.

HelenC profile image
HelenCPartnerTB Alert

Hi chessy37,

I don't know the answers to all your questions. However I can reassure you about the purpose of occupational health screening and the likely outcomes.

As a healthcare assistant you are at greater risk of exposure to TB in the course of your work and, if you already have TB, there would be a risk that you could pass it on to others (who are already ill and therefore more vulnerable to TB).

Therefore, the testing is designed to look for both active TB and latent TB and to offer treatment if necessary. A positive result for either form of TB would not exclude you from work for long, if at all. Active TB is no longer infectious after just two week's treatment and latent TB is not infectious at all.

The tests will also look to see if you have had a BCG vaccination, so that you can be offered one, if necessary, to help protect you during the course of your work.

I hope this advice helps you sleep easier. You are welcome to get back in touch if you have further questions.

best wishes,

Helen

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Will tb medication can be trace?

My doctor saw a granuloma in my upper left lung. She gave me anti tb drugs and after 2months i'm...
Maggy1790 profile image

Wondering about applying a job having cured for TB, and have a lung scar.

Hi! I just want to know if being cured with TB can apply any Job that i like? Does the lung scar...
Flowercrew profile image

Why is TB not given the publication it deserves?

I live in the U.K. and I’m astounded that TB is not publicised. It’s no wonder people die from TB -...
hottchoc profile image

Nurse with history of minimal ptb wants to apply overseas

Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with minimal pulmonary tuberculosis way back 2013 with no symptoms at...
Airene profile image

Have Copd, Taking precautionary TB MEDS is it a good idea?

I have copd,,,just started having slight breathing problems, I also have inactive TB i got this...
LarryGee profile image

Moderation team

HelenC profile image
HelenCPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.