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

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.

[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]

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 Partner TB 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